The partnership agreement behind the Erewash Safer Homes project, a mobile service that gives security help to older and vulnerable homeowners in the borough, looks set to be extended.
Erewash borough councillors at a meeting of the Council Executive next week (Tuesday 11 July) are expected to approve a move to change the current one year contract to a three year period running from 1 April this year to 31 March 2020.
The Safer Homes project is run in partnership with South Derbyshire District Council which originally set up the service over five years ago with South Derbyshire CVS.
The project, which also helps residents who have been recent victims of burglary, offers advice to homeowners on how to keep their property safe and security equipment can be installed free of charge where necessary.
Under the Service Level Agreement, South Derbyshire CVS employs a project worker who works two days a week in each of the two districts. The agreement has been on a rolling one year term and extending the project to three years (subject to ongoing funds being available) is seen as providing a better platform for planning future delivery of the scheme.
Councillor Gerri Hickton, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Community Engagement, says:
“The Safer Homes initiative has been very well received in both Erewash and South Derbyshire and is seen as a key crime prevention project. Hundreds of people have been helped since it launched in 2014. In Erewash alone, more than 3,500 security items have been fitted to homes to help residents feel safer in their own home.
“Feedback from residents receiving the service confirms that they feel this is a valuable project.”
Referrals for the project can come direct from individuals who qualify for the service and from agencies including Derbyshire Police, Neighbourhood Watch, Erewash Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council.
The meeting of Council Executive is at Ilkeston Town Hall on Tuesday 11 July at 10.30am.
• Residents wanting more details about the Safer Homes scheme can contact Erewash CSP on 0115 907 2244 or contact South Derbyshire CVS directly to arrange an appointment – email safety@sdcvs.org.uk or telephone 01283 219761.
