Islington residents will see an immediate increase in security measures as the council rolls out a £1.9 million safety initiative. The plan involves installing new CCTV, upgrading street lighting, and deploying specialized night patrols to specific estates and crime hotspots across the borough.
This funding, drawn from the borough’s “Making it Happen” fund, is part of a broader Islington safety and housing investment strategy recently outlined for the current council term. The initiative focuses on practical, visible changes to deter anti-social behavior and improve the feeling of safety on local streets.
| Location | Planned Safety Improvements |
|---|---|
| Blenheim Court Estate | New CCTV, upgraded lighting, entrance door repairs, and communal area clearance. |
| Elthorne Estate | Safety walkabouts to identify blind spots and deterrent opportunities. |
| Borough Hotspots | Night Safety Hub deployments with crime reduction officers and Parkguard. |
Security upgrades for Blenheim Court and Elthorne estates
Work has already commenced at the Blenheim Court estate, where the council has prioritized repairs based on direct feedback from residents. The focus here is on “designing out crime” by securing the building’s perimeter. This includes repairing entrance doors to prevent unauthorized access and clearing out litter from communal areas to improve visibility and pride in the local environment.
On the Elthorne Estate, council officers are conducting safety walkabouts alongside residents this week. These sessions allow locals to point out specific areas where they feel vulnerable, such as poorly lit walkways or corners that require additional CCTV coverage. These insights will form the basis of a tailored security plan for the estate to deter criminal activity effectively.
Night Safety Hub deployments for Bank Holiday hotspots
To address safety during peak hours, the Night Safety Hub will be active across various crime hotspots throughout the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend. The hub is a mobile unit operated through a partnership between Islington Council, the Metropolitan Police, and Parkguard. It serves as a visible deterrent and a point of contact for anyone feeling unsafe after dark.
Staffed by crime reduction officers, the hub provides practical support for vulnerable individuals. This includes assistance for lone women at risk, people who may be intoxicated or distressed, and those requiring basic first aid or directions to safe transport. The presence of Parkguard—a specialist security service—adds an extra layer of reassurance and enforcement capacity to the nighttime economy areas.
Funding the £1.9 million safety plan
Council Leader Cllr Una O’Halloran, who recently returned to office, has identified community safety as the primary objective for her administration. The £1.9 million investment is specifically earmarked for tackling crime and anti-social behavior (ASB) over the next twelve months. This follows the appointment of a new Islington leadership team tasked with delivering rapid improvements to neighborhood security.
Cllr O’Halloran noted that the council is “hitting the ground running” to meet the demands of residents who have called for more robust action on their streets. The Executive team plans to release further details on additional estate-specific projects as the “Making it Happen” fund is distributed to various wards across Islington over the coming year.
Source: Islington Council
/linkComments