Published: Wednesday, 28th May, 2008 12:00
Safe houses
By Bob Lovik
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Superintendent Andrew Price presents the award to Ochil View Housing chairperson Teresa McNally.
Pic by: David Robertson
A TULLIBODY housing development has won an award for its innovative design aimed at keeping crime out of the community.
The Newmills development won a Secure by Design award, which is an initiative to encourage the building industry to incorporate crime prevention measures into their housing plans.
Representatives of Ochil View Housing Association accepted the award from Superintendent Andrew Price last week at the housing development.
The enclosed community includes a 1.8 metre perimeter fence, secure doors and windows, and a single road entrance.
The Secure by Design scheme aims to help reduce the opportunity for crime and the fear of crime while creating a safer and more secure environment.
Speaking at the Newmills development, Mr Price said, “Clackmannanshire, compared to most parts of Scotland is very safe, but to try to get that across to the public is difficult.
“Taking security measures in design can subconsciously reduce fear.
“I fully support the Secure by Design concept and the identified benefits it provides to the quality of life for the residents.”
The new homes replaced drab, unpopular long blocks and are part of a £2.9 million development by Ochil View.
The development has a total of 26 semi-detached family homes, each with a front and back garden.
Mr Price noted that in addition to providing a safe environment, the houses were also attractive.
He said, “The homes look good which will encourage people to take care of them.
“This development will make people feel good about living here and take ownership of the community.”
Central Scotland Police architectural liaison officer, Gordon Wilson, said, “It isn’t necessarily the crime itself that effects people. It is the fear of crime and this design alleviates that fear.”
The Secure by Design award was the result of the police, the architect and the developer working together from the design stage through to the completion of the development.
Research has shown that by incorporating Secure by Design measures within a development it can reduce crime by up to 70 per cent.
One drawback of Secure by Design developments is that they are expensive to build.
Director of Ochil View Housing, George Tainsh, said, “Secure by Design funding is being cut and the safety features are becoming more and more difficult to deliver.
“Secure by Design is expensive but their long-term sustainability and lack of crime make them worthwhile developments.”
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