The group, which is made up of retailers, business professionals, representatives of the leisure and transport industries and other interested parties, met recently (23 February) and applauded news of the forthcoming West Berkshire Safer Communities Action Week, which commences on the 19th March.

The initiative comprises of all of the enforcement agencies engaging in specific activities to combat criminal offences. The town is also the latest recipient of Government funding for neighbourhood policing.

A large part of Newbury’s attraction is that visitors feel safe whilst shopping or being entertained and additional news that from April the town would enjoy a full compliment of Police Community Support Officers was also welcomed by the group as it will further enhance this sense of security visitors enjoy.

Town Centre Manager, Mitch Roberts commented: “The Action Week is coupled with a proactive approach from the Youth Services increasing activities, the fire service promoting fire safety checks and the distribution of key-safe burglary literature and it is anticipated that most of the business and neighbourhood communities will be positively touched by this new scheme.”

Mr Roberts continued: “Newbury Town Centre is also the latest recipient of the UK wide neighbourhood policing policy with the neighbourhood action group now in place a year ahead of the Government’s end of rollout scheduled for March 2008.

“This will enable the Police to engage and consult with the public more effectively and prioritise specific concerns under the guidance of the neighbourhood specialist officer who will be responsible for the town centre issues. It is really encouraging that, although Newbury is still one of the safest towns to visit there are still initiatives underway to continually improve the town centre”

The group’s next meeting will be held on 23 March.