Organisations join forces to support safer, cleaner neighbourhoods

Organisations from across Stoke-on-Trent have worked together to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, supporting safer streets, cleaner public spaces and stronger neighbourhoods.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team and Staffordshire Police brought together partners from across the city for a multi-agency day of action in Hanley Park and Shelton.

The coordinated activity forms part of the council’s Making Great Places programme and the wider Family Friendly Streets initiative, both focused on creating neighbourhoods that are safer, more welcoming and better places for people of all ages.

More than 60 partners took part in the operation, which included a weapons sweep and a litter pick within Hanley Park. The work aimed to improve both safety and the overall appearance of the area.

Council teams worked alongside volunteers and partner organisations on the clean-up, with support from the Canal and River Trust to carry out cutting back and tidying works within the park. High-visibility policing patrols were also carried out to provide reassurance to residents and park users.

In Shelton, the city council and Staffordshire Police carried out checks on business premises. The council’s Trading Standards team worked alongside the police’s Neighbourhood Policing Team and Modern Slavery Team to visit several premises, targeting the sale of illegal goods and forced labour.

A road policing operation also took place on Leek Road, led by the Staffordshire Police Harm Team. This was supported by partner agencies including the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and Environmental Crime officers.

The proactive work resulted in:

• Four arrests, including drink driving, drug driving, and two outstanding police warrants
• Trading Standards seizing illegal tobacco, including 17,000 counterfeit cigarettes, 113 counterfeit vapes and two kilograms of tobacco
• One person stopped for cannabis possession, and one weapon recovered in Hanley Park
• One homeless encampment cleared
• 120 vehicles stopped, 31 tickets issued for road offences, and nine vehicles seized for no insurance

Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:

“Our streets are for everyone and we want to make them the most family friendly in the country.

“This day of action shows the real impact we can have when we work together with our partners and local communities. By tackling issues such as safety, environmental concerns and crime, we are making our streets and public spaces safer and more welcoming for everyone, particularly families.

“This year our city has put its best foot forward and we’ve stepped up enforcement and seen excellent results. We’re focused on putting people first and creating neighbourhoods that residents can feel proud of.”

Sergeant Will Evans, of the Stoke-on-Trent south local policing team, said:

“This day of action was about taking enforcement where necessary while also engaging with the community to build trust and reassurance.

“By working alongside our partners, we were able to address crime concerns, tackle safety issues, and listen to residents about what matters most to them. Combining visible policing with proactive support helps create safer, cleaner spaces for everyone to enjoy.

“I’d like to thank all the agencies, volunteers, and community members who took part and made a difference on the day."

The coordinated action highlights the council’s ongoing commitment to partnership working to improve public spaces, address local concerns and support safe, family-friendly neighbourhoods across Stoke-on-Trent.