A £550,000 project to to cut crime in Caia Park has been welcomed.

Plaid Cymru councillor Carrie Harper, who represents the Queensway Ward in the heart of the estate, worked with Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones to secure the funding from the Home Office.

Cllr Harper said: "This area of Caia Park was identified for funding and I'm pleased the bid was successful. The priorities for the bid were shaped by local people who filled in an online community survey, local people said they wanted additional cctv, crime prevention packs, alley closures and improved lighting, all are now in the way. This is a great example of asking local people what improvements they want to help tackle crime and then delivering, it’s been a great partnership approach.

"We need to crack crime in the ward and any measures that help that are welcome.

"The aim is to tackle theft, burglary and robbery – which account for up to 40 per cent of all the offences committed.

"Three garage blocks will be demolished and 200 metres of additional fencing will be provided as well as improved lighting and gates to secure seven alleyways. But a big element in the scheme will involve the community in preventing crime themselves. The crime prevention packs include window and door security and were the most popular item in the online survey."

Another important element of the Caia Park scheme will be an environmental fund to tackle graffiti, landscape communal areas, cut bushes and remove trees.

Funding has also been secured for a similar project in Rhyl.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones, a former police inspector, said: “It is so important the people of North Wales feel safe in their communities. It’s about taking every opportunity we can to prevent acquisitive crimes, where offenders take property from victims whether through theft, burglary or robbery.

“It’s vital we invest in our towns and in particular the communities which perhaps need more help, so we can make them safer for everyone. If we can improve security through better street lighting, for example, it can make a big difference to public safety.

“However we can’t achieve these goals on our own. We need to work in partnership with the people, local authorities as well as community groups if we are to have any chance of success.”

He added: “We know from analysis that burglaries, for example, are persistently and disproportionately concentrated in certain communities. Queensway and Rhyl West are real hotspots when it comes to acquisitive crimes. It’s time for that to change.

“We can help prevent a lot of crime by taking simple measures such as better street lighting, putting gates on alleys and adding security features to community buildings."