A revised and reinvigorated Douglas Community Safety Partnership (DCSP) charter was officially launched on Friday June 17 at Douglas Town Hall by the Mayor of Douglas, Councillor Ritchie McNicholl, JP. Building on the success of the inaugural document introduced in 2008, this latest version of the charter reflects the maturing of the partnership between Douglas Borough Council, Douglas Development Partnership and government agencies, all pledged to work together towards creating a cleaner, safer, greener environment for the Island’s capital. Signatories to the charter are His Worship the Mayor of Douglas, Councillor Ritchie McNicholl JP; Douglas Borough Council Leader Councillor David Christian, JP; Douglas Development Partnership Chairman Hamish Ross; Department of Infrastructure Minister, Hon. Phil Gawne, MHK; Department of Home Affairs Minister Hon. Adrian Earnshaw MHK; Department of Social Care Minister Hon. Martyn Quayle MHK; Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Hon. John Shimmin MHK; Department of Education and Children Minister Hon. Eddie Teare MHK and Department of Community, Culture and Leisure Minister Hon. David Cretney MHK. In his welcome address His Worship said the charter embodied a collective recognition that a good environment is ‘something not only to be appreciated, but also to be actively worked upon.’ He continued: ‘The wider we can spread the word that our environment, the appearance of our town, is something that everyone can to contribute to, the better that environment will become. ‘The charter gives us a reference point, setting out objectives which we can then work towards. So far it has produced good results and I hope it will continue long into the future.’ DCSP Chairman Inspector Ken Kneale said: ‘This charter positively affirms membership of the Douglas Community Safety Partnership. In working together, we recognise the critical importance of improving public confidence in the ability of all our agencies to deliver cleanliness, safety and an improved environment within Douglas. In addition, we all share a wider role to maintain and seek to improve on the already high quality of life we enjoy. ‘Part of our success lies in ensuring that our agencies are not only aware of each other's work, but also plan together whenever possible to ensure the best possible provision of services. The DCSP was instrumental in the introduction of Ward policing throughout Douglas, and this initiative has shown one way in which we can build trust and confidence, through visible and familiar policing arrangements. However, quality of life is about more than policing, important as that is. A reduction in recorded crime is not enough to make communities feel safer, welcome as it may be. An increased feeling of wellbeing and safety within a community can be influenced by clean and well tended open spaces, adequately maintained buildings and a uniform effort across all agencies on local priorities. The DCSP is demonstrating real gains and achievements through its partnership activity, maximising the genuine desire of all its agencies to further enhance Douglas as a place in which to work, live or visit.’ Council Leader Councillor David Christian said: ‘This revitalised charter acknowledges the achievements of the Douglas Community Safety Partnership and reaffirms all parties’ commitment to co-ordinate their activities and work together to improve the town’s quality of life. ‘Much of the partnership’s success can be attributed directly to the enthusiasm and commitment of Inspector Ken Kneale who, as chairman, has been instrumental in driving it forward and ensuring it serves as an effective tool for prioritising local issues and delivering co-ordinated responses to any antisocial behaviour. As an example, I would cite the Hills Meadow Industrial Estate where, thanks to the efforts of agencies joining forces, levels of litter and detritus are being reduced and the overall appearance of the area is improving. ‘Local authorities in the UK have a statutory duty to work with other local agencies and organisations within a community safety framework. However, this is not obligatory in the Isle of Man where Douglas continues to lead the way by choosing to enter voluntarily into a community safety agreement where we play an active role. Importantly, as we continue to progress the charter’s aims and objectives, I would hope other local authorities in the Island would look to us for guidance should they elect to develop their own community safety partnerships, which will help drive up environmental standards, engender a national sense of civic pride and serve to strengthen the Island’s social and economic future.’ ENDS