People are being asked to have their say and help shape a new strategy which seeks to continue the good work being done to tackle youth and gang violence in Wolverhampton. Over the last few years, the city's existing Reducing Gang Related Harm Strategy has helped to greatly improve the lives of those communities blighted by gangs, bringing about a fall in gun and knife crime in the process.

It has also seen the development of a range of new activities designed to tackle problem gangs, which the 2016-19 strategy will seek to build upon.

Councillor Sandra Samuels, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Fortunately the issue of gang violence is managed effectively in Wolverhampton.
“The Safer Wolverhampton Partnership wants to keep it that way, and Wolverhampton’s Reducing Gang Related Harm Strategy has helped to greatly improve the lives of communities who may otherwise have been blighted by gangs. 

"In recent years, all key indicators such as knife and gun crime have reduced, there are less visible signs of gang tension for our communities and the partnership approach to gang-related harm between various agencies has been strengthened.

"The strategy has had an important role in helping the council, police and other agencies achieve this, and so it's vital that we get it right; I'd therefore encourage people to have their say and help shape the priorities which we need to tackle over the next few years."

Superintendent Keith Fraser from West Midlands Police added: “We continue to tackle issues around gangs and youth violence and it is positive to see that our approach, working with the community and partners, is reducing the harm caused by gangs and youth violence.


“Building on this work, the new strategy will have a greater focus on prevention by addressing root causes that exacerbate risk of gang involvement. To continue building on this we need your support; please read the draft strategy and put forward your views on our approach – make your voice count by taking part in the consultation.”

To have a say, people should visit www.saferwton.org.uk where they can read the draft strategy and complete a short online survey.

The consultation ends on Monday 21 December, 2015 and comments will be incorporated into a final draft of the strategy which will be presented to the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet and the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership for endorsement early next year.