Making our Redways Safer

12.00.00am GMT Fri 17th Mar 2006

Contractors working for Milton Keynes Council have started work to make some of the city's Redways safer. This is part of a programme to open up dark areas to make the Redways more user-friendly and help dispel the fear of crime that is associated with them.

The work mainly involves reducing the height of hedges and thinning out trees. Contractors are also working at road junctions and footpaths to improve visibility.

A recent public survey showed that Milton Keynes people perceived Redways as the second most likely place to experience crime and disorder after pubs and nightclubs. The reality, however, is that less than 1% of total recorded crime in Milton Keynes occurs on Redways.

Richard Solly, Community Safety Manager, commented: "People's fear of crime on the Redways is disproportionate to the actual level and this has a direct influence on the number of people that use them. Considering the miles of Redway we have, they attract relatively little crime. However, we know that many people are reluctant to use them, especially after dark. This work will make the Redways feel safer, encouraging more people to use this unique facility."

Liberal Democrat Councillor Douglas McCall, cabinet member responsible for environment and localities, added: "The current programme of improvement will be rolled out across several areas in the borough and will make a big difference to our Redways and footpaths. It will improve sight lines and help people feel safer when they use them. This is part of the Council's commitment to reducing the fear of crime in Milton Keynes."