Safety first as Townwatch radio scheme relaunched
Safety first as Townwatch radio scheme relaunched
In response to business and public concern, the Keighley’s Townwatch radio scheme has been relaunched.
The scheme, originally introduced in 2006, has radios in a number of businesses across the town, providing a quick and effective response to safety concerns.
The relaunch is part of a wider plan to improve the offer available to visitors to the town. A partnership of local stakeholders, including representatives from the district and local councils, together with town centre businesses, has been introduced to respond to the key issues.
Coun Andrew Mallinson, who was nominated to represent Keighley Area Committee on the partnership, said: “The Town Centre Partnership will provide exciting opportunities on the key issues currently affecting the town centre.
“It will bring together a package of measures, including diversionary activities together with focused policing and environmental improvements, which will increase public confidence and enable local businesses to attract the patronage necessary to ensure the long-term economic future of Keighley.”
Inspector Wayne Horner, of the Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We work closely with colleagues in the Keighley Town Centre Association, and have been very pleased to support Townwatch and other schemes that help keep people safer.
“Officers are currently working closely with the Town Centre Association to improve the existing Townwatch system and see what further improvements can be made to help better protect both traders and shoppers.
“This work is progressing hand-inhand with ongoing police operations to combat issues such as anti-social behaviour and take lasting action to remove offenders from the area.” Steve Seymour, Manager of the Airedale Shopping Centre, said: “The Airedale Shopping Centre is proud to be a partner in the essential systems providing a safe and secure town centre environment, where everyone can come and enjoy a great day’s shopping, sight-seeing or simply meet family and friends, with the peace of mind that if something unexpected happens there will be a professional and efficient response.
“The Townwatch radio system is an integral and vital part of the Safer Child Zone operated at the Airedale Shopping Centre, and provides network coverage of Keighley, with access to West Yorkshire Police, their support agencies and KTCA members.
“The Safer Child Zone is a free service offered by the centre and can be used for family safety, as well as ensuring when children are separated from their parents or guardian, they can be quickly reunited. Steve seymour added: “The relaunch, on September 7, is aimed at making new and existing businesses in Keighley, that are not already members, aware of the systems and the benefits provided to them.
“It also advises shoppers and visitors that, should the unexpected happen, they can approach any of the stores displaying the identifying window stickers and get a rapid response and support, whatever the situation.”
For more information on the Townwatch or Child Safe schemes, call the Keighley Town Centre Association (01535) 618085.
