A new People Zone safety project for Thringstone and Whitwick has been launched as an initiative designed to bring communities together - and build on the spirit that already exists.

The aim is to utilise the talents, skills and strengths of local people to build a safe and positive future. 

A free Family Fun Day was held yesterday (Saturday) - hosted by Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews and North West Leicestershire District Council - at Thringstone Members' Club.

Thringstone and Whitwick will join two established People Zones in Bell Foundry, Loughborough, and New Parks, Leicester, and aims to make a meaningful difference to community life by developing and expanding on resources so that everyone has access to local assets.

These can include health drop-in sessions, activities to keep youths active and focused, safety awareness and crime prevention and training for residents and professionals.

Speaking ahead of the fun day, Mr Matthews said: "This is a hugely important milestone for the People Zones team.

"Keeping people safe and tackling the issues that matter to them most are top priorities for me as Commissioner.

"I believe residents have a special role to play in improving safety because nobody knows our communities like the people who live within them.

"Yesterday's exciting event was the first for many in Thringstone and Whitwick to encourage relationship building and connectivity.

"I would like to thank our colleagues at North West Leicestershire District Council for their hard work in helping to put this event together."

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at North West Leicestershire District Council, added: "We know many organisations, groups and individuals are doing great things to support the community in Thringstone and Whitwick, so we're really pleased to welcome a People Zone to build on the community spirit that already exists.

"It's great to be working with the Police and Crime Commissioner on this initiative."

The new Thringstone and Whitwick People Zone will follow the same model as the existing areas, employing an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach that focuses on the strengths of the community and harnesses the skills and networks that exist within the area.

In the first phase of the project, external research company Mapping for Change will undertake community research in Thringstone and Whitwick through surveys and other engagement methods to assess the assets within the area and how these can be best developed to further support local people.