Community partnership delivers programme of works to improve Daventry estate

13 May 2024

A programme of works has been delivered by West Northamptonshire partners to improve the Southbrook estate in Daventry as part of Operation Fragment.

Operation Fragment brings together West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), Northamptonshire Police, Futures Housing Group, Daventry Town Council, Southbrook Community Centre, Youth Inspired and local volunteers in a bid to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and improve the local community.

The Operation has seen a number of clean up days take place which included litter picking, clearing large items of rubbish and cutting back hedges. Offensive graffiti has also been removed from underpasses around the estate, with the Fishponds underpass benefitting from a street art project created by local artist Binty Bint and members of the Youth Hub.

Street lighting has been improved in the area and a new permanent CCTV camera has been installed on Hood Road by Daventry Town Council using funding from the OPFCC. Motorbike deterrent barriers will also be installed at three locations along the footpath running from Hood Road to Frobisher Close.

In addition, several engagement events have been held with WNC’s Environmental Health Team providing education and advice around fly-tipping to residents and agencies who provide services to the estate.

Northamptonshire charity Youth Inspired have also been funded to run youth group sessions at the Southbrook Community Centre and work is taking place for Futures Housing Group to adopt and improve some of the area’s unused play areas.

“Crimes such as littering, fly-tipping, offensive graffiti and anti-social behaviour have a negative impact on residents’ lives and undermine community cohesion.

“By working with partner agencies and the community as part of Operation Fragment we have been able to help to tackle these issues and improve the Southbrook area for the whole community. A big well done to all those involved including the volunteers who have played a part in making this happen.”Cllr David Smith, Cabinet member for Planning and Communities

As part of the Operation, Police have increased high visibility patrols in Southbrook with consistent engagement with community members and attendance to crimes as and when they occur, leading to several arrests, including for robbery, driving, and drug offences plus others following warrant activity in January. 

The Neighbourhood Policing Team have also carried out intervention work with young people in the area and conducted engagement sessions at Danetre And Southbrook Learning Village (DSLV) including presentations regarding youth violence and a session called Carry a Basketball, Not a Knife. 

“The community is at the core of all of the activity we have done over the past few months.

“Working in conjunction with partner agencies has enabled a joined-up and cohesive approach to tackling issues within the Southbrook area. As we enter the summer months, we look forward to building on the successes achieved so far.”Police Sergeant Josh Ellard from the Op Fragment Team

If you live in Daventry and have concerns about your local community, you can email details of the issue to [email protected] and the team will direct you to the best placed organisation to help.