A FUNDING boost to tackle anti-social behaviour in Carlisle has been welcomed by councillors - who say it will provide 'lasting benefits'.

Cumbria's police and crime commissioner, Peter McCall, secured £760,108 of funding from the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund to help reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Carlisle will benefit from the funding subsequently receiving £354,638. The aim of both bids is to reduce ASB around the city and town as well as hotspot areas with wider benefits expected around safety in public places, with a focus on women, girls, and other vulnerable groups.

There will be upgraded lighting around the city on Collier Lane, Mary Street and Rosemary Lane.

The skate park at Bitts Park and Keenan Park will also receive upgraded lighting so young people can enjoy the full benefit.

Carlisle City Councils Enforcement Officers will receive extra equipment including body-worn cameras, body armour and radios, and further training to help reduce ASB and provide comfort to communities.

The body-worn video will aim to reassure residents, challenge poor behaviours and provide evidence to the Police, when necessary.

READ MORE: Peter McCall welcomes additional funding boost

Carlisle City councillor Elizabeth Mallinson, Portfolio holder for Communities, Health and Wellbeing, said: "This is great news for Carlisle. The funding will be used to tackle anti-social behaviour in partnership with Cumbria Police.

"It will support initiatives already in place and will support future schemes that aim to make Carlisle safer. It will provide lasting benefits and we look forward to seeing it being put into action."

The funding will pay for Carlisle to receive REAL (Relate, Engage and Listen) outreach workers who work on the streets where they are needed, specifically targeting young people who have been identified as causing ASB.

These workers will interact with young people, form positive relationships, encourage responsible behaviour and provide diversionary activities including a mobile music recording studio and ball games.

Years seven and eight from schools within the bid areas will also receive ‘Your Life, You Choose’ workshops on the consequences of poor life choices and the impact on others.

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Peter McCall said: "The two bids, worth more than £760,000 will allow the Police and partners to approach ASB through prevention, diversion, education and restorative justice.

"The latter allowing those who have already caused harm through ASB to apologise to the victim and take responsibility without facing criminal punishment and reduce the risk of re-offending."