BNDfC recently commissioned ERS, an independent research and consultancy agency, to conduct an evaluation of the Physical Environment and Safety Priority Area. The evaluation’s objectives were to:
Review the priority area objectives
Assess project performance
Identify good practice and innovation
Review approach to targeting/diversity
Provide guidance on measuring impact.
ERS undertook a range of methods to evaluate the priority area, ranging from reviewing documents, interviews and consultations with beneficiaries.
On completion of their evaluation and in order for ERS to feedback their findings and recommendations to the community, a workshop was arranged. The workshop was held at Sorby House on Thursday 28th August 2008 and was very well attended and received by residents and also officers who have been involved in the projects.
The Physical Environment and Safety Priority area has made some significant progress and impact into improving community safety, environment and housing of the people who live in the Burngreave NDC area. E.g.
The reduction in burglary has outperformed the city trend.
There has been an average 44% reduction in robbery since 2006.
The frequency of enviro-crime (things such as graffiti, dumping) has fallen by 50% since 2006 against a minor reduction across the city.
There has been a 20% increase in average house prices against a 13% increase across the city.
Whilst this positive progress is to be warmly welcomed and celebrated, there is still much more progress that can be made, and to this end BNDfC has agreed it will look into the relaunching of the Physical Environment and Safety Strategy Group for the area before the end of the year. BNDfC are sure this will be welcomed by Burngreave residents as an opportunity to raise issues directly with service providers.