One Darlington January 2022

Working together to
make our streets safer
Cutting back overgrown hedges and trees not
only makes your garden look better, it could
help keep our streets safe.
The recent ‘Call it Out’ survey by the police, which
focussed on the concerns of women and girls,
revealed that overhanging foliage and branches
make some residents feel unsafe.
Overgrown branches can block out streetlights
and get in the way of CCTV. They can also make
it difficult for people to stay on the pavement,
potentially blocking the route for people in
wheelchairs or with pushchairs, and forcing others
into the road, which is especially dangerous
when there is less daylight and conditions can be
treacherous.
The council cuts back hedges and shrubs on its
land between September and the end of March
to make sure the work is done before nesting
season.
Don't be part of the problem, please cut back your
hedges and shrubs, if you don't the council can,
and does, take action.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Green, of Durham
Constabulary, said: “This is just a small part of
the work we and our partners are doing to help
reduce crime and improve public confidence,
but it can make a big difference and I hope it’s
something residents will support.”
Don’t forget you can report safety issues on
footpaths and road at www.darlington.gov.uk/
reportit or on the My Darlington app.
18 www.darlington.gov.uk