Our city centre is the heart of our community – a place where residents, visitors and businesses come together to experience the vibrancy and energy that make our city special. But we also know that, at times, street-based nuisance and anti-social behaviour can make this space feel less welcoming.

That’s why my cabinet is proud to support a new and ambitious pilot project, launched at our January meeting by Cllr. Rebecca Trimnell, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement. This initiative is designed not just to address anti-social behaviour, but to offer support and understanding to those who need it most.

This two-year pilot, beginning in April, will see two dedicated engagement officers stationed in the city centre. Their role will be to reach out to individuals involved in street drinking and anti-social behaviour, understanding their personal struggles and offering assistance with addiction, housing and other complex issues.

The initiative will work alongside the existing red-jacket community protection officers, reinforcing their efforts to create a positive, supportive relationship with the public and local businesses.

£200,000 in funding over two years

We’ve committed £200,000 in funding over the next two years to ensure that this project has the resources it needs to succeed. This investment is not just about tackling street drinking or anti-social behaviour, but about improving lives. By supporting individuals with complex needs, we hope to give them the tools to build a better future for themselves, while creating a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone in our city.

There’s a small group of individuals whose behaviour has a negative impact on businesses, residents, and visitors, but behind these actions are real people with complex lives – people who, with the right support, can turn things around.

While we can’t predict all the outcomes, we’re confident that, over the next few months, we’ll see positive change. We’re hopeful that this initiative will create a lasting impact, not only for those directly involved, but also for our entire community.