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Over £90,000 is being provided to enhance the drive to tackle crime and support victims in Manchester, Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Adviser Louise Casey announced on a visit to the city today.

Manchester is one of 60 areas across England and Wales which has signed up to become a Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Pioneer Area. Manchester City Council will use this new money in part to fund a new Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Co-ordinator, who will ensure the public have a greater voice in the way their community's streets are policed and that there is better support through the justice system for victims and witnesses.

During her visit to Manchester Louise Casey met local residents in Collyhurst who have either made a stand against anti-social behaviour or been a victim of crime.

Louise Casey said:

"Crime can only be tackled effectively when the police, the public and the criminal justice system work together. The most important thing is that victims and witnesses are protected by the authorities and supported by the community - only then will people feel confident enough to report crime or stand up in court to give evidence.

"I'm delighted that we are investing an additional £90,000 in Manchester as one of the new Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Pioneer Areas. I look forward to seeing the voice of victims, witnesses and ordinary members of the public being put at the heart of the policing and justice system in Manchester."

Manchester City Council deputy leader Councillor Jim Battle said:

"We are proud that Louise Casey will see at first hand how Manchester City Council, working together with Greater Manchester Police and other partners, has established a partnership with residents through our Respect action weeks and Respect action neighbourhoods.

"We work closely with local people and have been employing a 'you said, we did' approach for some time. We're looking forward to sharing our experiences with Louise Casey and her team and working alongside the Government to build public confidence in the Criminal Justice system."
Manchester's Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Co-ordinator will take a lead role in engaging with the community, and ensure people receive regular updates on police activity. They will also strengthen the links between Greater Manchester Police, Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Probation Service, Manchester Fire Service and local health services, among others.

In addition, Mary Armstrong, Chair of the Irk Valley Tenants and Residents Association, said:

"I have lived in Collyhurst for 38 years. I'm very proud of the area and have worked hard with Irk Valley Tenants and Residents Association and many more people to improve the local environment. We have been acknowledged and rewarded for these efforts in many ways. I am humbled by the accolades I have received in recent years for taking a stand against crime and anti-social behaviour. It does matter and by reporting problems can and will make a positive difference. I'll continue to do my part to make Collyhurst a better place.

"I'm also working with the Probation Service and their Community Payback team to do some environmental improvements on the estate. These schemes are a positive way to show justice seen is justice done."

1. Areas were invited to bid to become Pioneer Areas on the basis of a variety of data including deprivation, population size and crime information. However, equally important in agreeing bids was their determination to work with local communities to address local concerns about crime, anti-social behaviour and justice.

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