Gloucester City Council is launching a two-year pilot project to reduce street drinking and improve safety in the city centre
Gloucester: The city council is kicking off a new project. It aims to cut down on anti-social behavior in the city centre. They’re bringing in two engagement officers for this two-year plan.
These officers will be out on the streets. They’ll tackle issues like littering and alcohol-related problems. Their goal is to connect with people causing trouble and offer them support.
They’ll help with housing and addiction issues too. This project will work alongside the current community protection officers. The council is putting aside £200,000 to make this happen.
Rebecca Trimnell, the community engagement cabinet member, is excited. She believes this project will help reduce street drinking and improve safety. She mentioned that some people in the city centre need extra help.
“There’s a small group causing issues,” she said. “It’s tough for businesses and visitors. They need support, not just punishment.”
Trimnell is hopeful about the project. She thinks it’s just what Gloucester needs. She also assured that this won’t cut funding for the existing protection officers.
“We want to work together to help the vulnerable,” she added. “I’m confident this will work.”
It might take a few months to see results. Council leader Jeremy Hilton is also on board. He believes this will help with the street drinking problem.
“We’ll see if it makes a difference,” he said. “If it works, we can share this model with other places.”
