Local residents joined forces with Cumberland Council and NSW Police to carry out a safety and accessibility audit of the Pendle Hill Town Centre on Tuesday 27 March.
Four teams took to the streets to take photos and note down any safety concerns and accessibility issues. The information is now being collated into a report for Council and NSW Police.
The audit is the first of four scheduled for town centres in the Cumberland LGA in 2018 and follows successful audits carried out in the Guildford and Pemulwuy Town Centres last year.
Cumberland Council Mayor Greg Cummings welcomed the participation of Clr Suman Saha and Clr Lisa Lake on the day and the community’s strong involvement.
“Local residents understand their neighbourhood inside and out. It’s crucial that their perspectives and concerns drive our efforts to improve safety and accessibility,” Mr Cummings said.
“The audits are part of Council’s proactive engagement with residents, local businesses and law enforcement. It about getting out on the street and making positive changes where we can.
“Everyone has a right to be able to access their community and to do so safely. For this to happen we need to continue working closely with the local community.
“A report is now being prepared with concrete recommendations for Council and NSW Police. This will inform our responses and ensure we get the best outcome for local residents.”
The next safety and accessibility audit will take place in Granville during June.
Joining the Pendle Hill audit was Mr Peter Simpson, an accessibility consultant and representative on Cumberland Council’s Access Committee.
“A lot of things I can see, no one else can recognise,” Mr Simpson said. “The audits are part of my volunteering.”
Cumberland Council is currently inviting expressions of interest (EOI) from community members to join the Community Safety Committee and Access Committee. Visit haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au for more information.
