Safer Langley, a partnership project involving the council, Thames Valley Police, and the community, was nominated for an award at the LGC Awards.

Winners were announced at a black-tie event at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London last night (Wednesday).

In its award submission, the council outlined all the partnership work, successes and learning from Safer Langley. Slough was one of 12 councils shortlisted in the Community Involvement category.

Safer Langley was created as part of the Home Office’s Clear Hold Build initiative, to tackle serious organised crime. It came after the death of two young men, in an 18-month period, due to knife crime.

Langley had also been experiencing increased violence linked to organised crime activity, drug supply and youth violence, with community concerns about anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and lack of police presence.

The project brought together a whole community to tackle the causes of harm, rebuild confidence, and to improve crime rates and perception of crime in Langley.

Partners have been running activities for families, offering learning opportunities for young people and working with businesses to build a picture of the skills gap they have, to identify any routes for young people into work.

Youth diversion formed a core part with programmes such as The Hive, Global Grub and Body & Soul engaging more than 150 young people, including those with SEND, and providing support, structure and trusted relationships.

The results were substantial: knife crime fell by 56%, serious violence by 40% and youth anti-social behaviour by 29%.

Matrix sponsored the table at the awards, enabling representatives from the council and police to join the celebrations.

The council’s Chief Executive, Will Tuckley, also presented an award and was on the judging panel for the Rising Star Award.

Lisa Spall, the council’s community safety manager, said: “We were delighted to have been shortlisted as a finalist among a range of other brilliant campaigns. Even though we didn’t win on the night, we are proud of how Safer Langley has developed, of the strong links we have built, creating an empowered community, and ultimately the reduction in crime in Langley.

“Residents have reported feeling safer, they feel more heard and supported, and it has strengthened trust between the police, council and community.

“The successes could not have been achieved by any one organisation. It’s the combined effort, the sharing of knowledge, resources, and a real commitment to change, which has made this initiative effective.

“The focus never stops, and partners still meet regularly as we move into the ‘build’ phase. We continue to encourage residents to report concerns and share intelligence on crime locally.”

Langley Neighbourhood Action Group was set up to empower residents to lead on issues in their community and bring residents and partners together. They focus on graffiti, anti-social behaviour, and flytipping, and work together to make a difference.

Neighbourhood Inspector for Slough, Mark Barnikel, from Thames Valley Police, said: “Safer Langley shows the real difference that can be made when policing is rooted in strong partnerships and genuine community engagement.

“By working closely with Slough Borough Council, local organisations and residents, we’ve been able to tackle serious violence and organised crime while building trust and confidence.

“We remain committed to sustaining this progress as we move forward together.”

Since Safer Langley launched in April 2024, there has been a reduction in serious and violent crime in Langley, an increase in the reporting of incidents and intelligence sharing, and stronger community links.

Organisations who now actively work together with residents include: Slough Borough Council, Thames Valley Police, Langley Neighbourhood Watch, Thames Valley Office of the Police Crime Commissioner, Thames Valley Violence Prevention Partnership, Communities Against Violence, Love Music Hate Violence, Langley College, Abri Housing Association, Department for Work and Pensions, Mothers Together, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Turning Point, Langley Academy, Slough Children First, Together As One, HCRG Care Group, Everyone Active, Lime, Slough Youth Action, Viva Slough and Langley Neighbourhood Action Group.

The partnership initiative is expanding, with the launch of Safer Cippenham. It will focus on the same foundations – intelligence, enforcement, engagement and diversion and community reassurance.

Find out more about Safer Langley and its history.