On Saturday (25 July), Police and Commissioner Alison Hernandez travelled across north Devon visiting Woolacombe, Croyde, Bideford and Westward Ho! who have all received money under the scheme.
Joined by MP Selaine Saxby, Alison met with street marshals, neighbourhood policing team, mayors and councillors to hear about how north Devon will be using the funding to tackle anti-social behaviour ahead of the summer surge in visitors.
The Police and Crime Commissioner said that the funding was in addition to her annual investment in community safety partnerships. These work with local partners to build safer communities.
“We are entering what is traditionally Devon and Cornwall Police’s busiest period, with potentially even more visitors to the Westcountry than previous years.
“It is great to visit communities across north Devon to see what practical measures they have put in place ahead of a potential influx of visitors.
“I want people to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of north Devon but also to behave responsibly and consider the impact of their behaviour on others.
“This funding represents a significant investment in practical measures that, in partnership with councils and police, will help keep people safe and reduce the impact of the impending changes to coronavirus regulations”
The north Devon funding will be spent on street marshals who will work with neighbourhood police teams or council civil enforcement officers.
The Safer Summer Scheme is designed to support and complement police officers, not replace them.
The locations to benefit from the additional funding have been identified by Devon and Cornwall Police to help prevent alcohol related antisocial behaviour over the busy Covid-19 summer period.