Shildon Community Safety Group, which has worked in the community on programmes and projects to improve the quality of life for residents for the past eighteen years, is set to disband.
The group says that it has been a victim of its own success and that statutory bodies such as the police and fire service, as well as other organisations with greater power to access funding, are now delivering the services it was originally set up to provide.
A result of the winding up process is that the group has decided to spend or distribute its remaining funds around a number of local community projects.
SCYPAN, the community youth organisation, which originated from a Community Safety Group survey, will receive £1,100 to pay for its trophies for the next three years.
Young at Heart, a group for vulnerable older residents will receive £500 towards day trips and outings in the Community Bus, while all 24 groups affiliated with the Community Bus will each receive £50.
The group has also decided to purchase a defibrillator on behalf of the town, including three years of maintenance costs.
The potentially life-saving equipment will be housed in Shildon Methodist Hall due to its location at the centre of the town and its accessibility to the public, as it is open most days.
Shildon Police will also benefit from the purchase of a ‘lock snapper and enforcer’, a device which they would previously have to borrow from the neighbouring police team in Bishop Auckland.
In her final report, chairperson, Betty Carr said: “I personally would like to thank everyone for all the help we have received over the years, too numerous to mention, so from the bottom of my heart a big thank you to you all.
“And to my fellow board members and trustees, my heartfelt thanks for all their commitment to the group and for the hard work, without which we could not have achieved the success we have had over the years, and for making my role as chair an enjoyable task.”
Mrs Carr did warn that “There is still fear of crime within our town and the need to be aware of our safety, so look to our police and, where help is needed, hopefully someone will be there.
“I have every confidence in the community spirit that thrives in Shildon.”
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
