Street Space pilot launched at Barking station with aim of reducing crime

Barking station was highlighted as a hotspot where women didn’t feel safe (credit: Google Maps)

A second ‘Street Space’ pilot has launched at Barking station in a bid to address antisocial behaviour.

The Barking and Dagenham Council initiative, which is funded by the MHCLG grant, is an eight-week pilot, launched on Saturday, 6 November, looking to address perceptions of safety and anti-social behaviour in the borough.

It has been launched following the findings of a survey earlier this year, asking women to highlight the areas where they don’t feel safe.

Barking station was highlighted as a hotspot where women didn’t feel safe. The station has also previously been a key area for antisocial behaviour.

The Council said the initiative will involve “increasing engagement through several strands”.

These include creating a platform for busking or arts performances. This will be tested at different times of the day, experimenting with a range of licensing and permission models to create a new sense of vibrancy to the station through shared experience and distraction.

There are also plans to make the station more green through community led methods and models, creating a relaxing, inspired by nature atmosphere.

The Council are also looking at commissioning local artwork for the station to add vibrancy, colour and energy to the space, with the potential to humanise and bring a sense of local connection to the station.

Councillor Margaret Mullane, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “Safety of the public, especially women, is a hot topic right now especially following recent events where two women were murdered in London.

“We’re determined to improve safety and people’s perceptions of crime in Barking and Dagenham and we’re willing to look all the options to ensure that we do this.

“The Women’s Safety Survey was just the start and there will be plenty of things going in the borough to improve safety from quick fixes, such as increasing enforcement patrols, lighting and CCTV to wider initiatives, including the Safe Haven scheme.”

A number of aspects have been installed at Barking station so far, including large floor stickers showcasing landmarks in Barking and Dagenham.

Five planters have been placed in front of the station.

33 local volunteers came along to help with the planting.

A huge painting by local artist Emmanual Oreynei which centres around the amalgamation of sounds that surround us in an urban environment and how we can escape through music.

In recent months, Barking and Dagenham Council has also increased patrols and security at Barking station, Barking town centre and London Road car park.

Anyone with concerns regarding crime hotspots can email csp@lbbd.gov.uk 

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