A community space once blighted by anti-social behaviour and criminality has been re-opened for use in Larches.

St Bernard’s Hub in Elswick Road, Lea and Larches, was closed during the Covid pandemic and became a target for fly-tipping, nuisance and criminal damage.

Preston Police working with a number of partners have refurbished the property and brought St Bernard’s back to use.

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Funded by the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC) officers secured CCTV cameras and lighting so the refurbishment of St Bernard’s could be completed.

PC Abby Ward from Preston Police said: The funding provided by LANPAC has meant that this club, which is at the heart of the community, can reopen”

“Spaces like these are crucial for the local residents and ensuring it is fully functional means that it is less attractive to criminals and more attractive to the community, which makes the community safer”

Luke Parkinson of St Bernard’s Hub said: “We are really grateful to have received the CCTV cameras and lighting which have helped to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour in the area around the Hub. This means that we can create new sessions and workshops, making it a space which the whole community can now enjoy and feel proud of.”

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Al Yusuf, Lancashire Partnership Against Crime Manager, said: “LANPAC was happy to support the installation of CCTV cameras and lighting at St. Bernard’s Hub. We felt it was important to take positive action against the offenders who were using the grounds of the social club for ASB and destroying the property that members of the community were trying to rebuild. We hope the support from LANPAC will help to prevent any further crime.”

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