Overgrown Northampton path cleared by Community Payback teams after students said they felt unsafe
An overgrown Northampton route has been cleared by Community Payback teams after university students raised concerns about feeling unsafe.
The former railway line running alongside Beckett Park towards the University of Northampton was identified as an area of concern because dense vegetation created concealed spaces which could potentially be used for anti-social behaviour or criminal activity.
Community Payback teams, part of the East of England Probation Service in Northamptonshire, worked with West Northamptonshire Council to clear vegetation over the summer.
The work has opened up sightlines and improved natural surveillance ahead of Freshers’ Week, when new and returning students will use the route between the university and town centre.
Removed branches were also reused to create windbreaks and nesting habitats for birds.
Teams have carried out work elsewhere in Northampton, including Harding Terrace and Upper Priory Street following reports of drug-related activity and sex work.
Vegetation is also being managed at Emporium Way to improve CCTV coverage and support enforcement of the area’s Public Space Protection Order.
Councillor Charlie Hastie, WNC deputy leader and cabinet member for housing and communities, said the partnership was helping to “improve safety, address environmental concerns and respond directly to issues raised by local residents and students”.