Horsham District Community Safety Partnership

Thank you to everyone who took the time the complete the recent Safer West Sussex Partnership Community Safety consultation. We received 243 responses for the Horsham District and whilst we appreciate that these do not represent everyone, it does give us an idea as to what people are concerned about.

One specific question we were interested in was ‘In your view, what should the Horsham District Community Safety Partnership focus on?’ the top three responses were:

• Anti-Social Behaviour (includes neighbour nuisance) - 168 responses (69%)
• Drugs (dealing, using and discarded paraphernalia) - 113 responses (46%)
• Road Safety (speeding and anti-social driving) - 69 responses (28%)

These issues were also highlighted in the Horsham District Council’s Community Safety Survey in 2020 (774 responses), which indicates that concern about these issues remains.

The Horsham District Community Safety Partnership (CSP) comprises: Horsham District Council (HDC), Sussex Police, West Sussex County Council (WSCC), West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, a Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner representative, Clinical Commissioning Groups, Sussex and Surrey Probation Service, a housing providers’ representative, and local schools' representative. The partnership meets quarterly to discuss key issues and related actions.

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)

HDC has two ASB Caseworkers who work closely with the police, local housing providers, schools and other agencies and departments to find a solution to local issues. There are monthly multi-agency meetings to discuss the latest concerns and HDC has a specific ASB strategy and action plan focusing on developing interventions to reduce incidents, providing support for victims, and building stronger communities. To find out more about how HDC tackles ASB and to read the ASB Policy, visit the HDC website (opens in new window).

HDC’s seven teams of Neighbourhood Wardens work in the community to provide a uniformed presence and to deal with ASB or report direct to the police as reliable witnesses. Where relevant, Environmental Visual Audits are undertaken to help improve safety in key areas.

Drug issues

The police lead on drug issues and the CSP collaborates to protect people from drug harm, exploitation and County Lines. Part of this is also working with local schools to ensure that students get the right advice and signposting as needed.

Road Safety

The roads policing team leads on speeding, anti-social driving and related vehicle noise. HDC shares any information/intelligence they have with them regarding specific areas where this is an issue. WSCC Highways is consulted if it is believed that any road safety measures need to be put in place.

The Horsham District CSP will be meeting soon to confirm the 2024-25 priorities, and the survey results will be considered, along with police’s crime and ASB data. Further information about the Horsham District CSP can be found on the Horsham District Council website (opens in new window).

You can contact Horsham District Council’s Community Safety Team here: communitysafety@horsham.gov.uk (opens i new window).