Keeping the Medway community clean, green and safe

This March, the public plaza at Rochester Riverside hosted ‘Safer Streets’, a two-day community event in partnership between Countryside, Hyde and the Medway Task Force.

A collaboration between the Medway Council Environmental Team, Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue Services, the Medway Task force launched in February 2020 with a focus on crime prevention and protecting the most vulnerable people across our towns.

Grassroots community engagement is a shared value at Rochester Riverside and so this was an opportunity to provide information with those living on the development and our neighbours around two key themes; safety and environmental protection. The event allowed Countryside and Hyde to talk to residents who live on the development, share news, and take pride in the community which they are a part of.

The Medway Task Force focused on implementing the work of the Home Office ‘Safer Streets’ initiative, which focusses on the safety of women and girls in public spaces. As Rochester is as a safe place to live, work and visit, the aim of the day was prevention and empowerment of people, especially young women, to boost their confidence to enjoy the parks, restaurants and events held locally, while out with friends and family.

To achieve this, Kent Police is giving out free personal safety items to people in the Medway community, and so handed out over 800 mini personal alarms, purse cables, card defenders and anti-drink spiking packs in total over the weekend.

Meanwhile, the Medway Environmental Team gave out advice and information on another of our shared values at Rochester Riverside, environmental protection, important for our residents and businesses alike. The team gave out over 200 items, including bags to recycle plastic, glass, paper, food, and garden waste, with the overarching message that everyone can make a difference by supporting these simple initiatives.

Children were encouraged to participate with the arrival of fire engines from local stations, including Rochester. The teams gave out fire prevention information and the children enjoyed an up-close look at the engine, with even the chance to try on some of the protective equipment and to sit in the cab!

Over the weekend we engaged with more than 500 people who live on or around the Rochester Riverside development, and we would like to thank all of our partners for making this event such a success.