PCSO urges residents to have their say on positive Orchard Park improvements
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: PCSO Dawn Brown, right, with colleagues
By Katy Wood
A Humberside Police PCSO is leading a plan for positive community changes on Hull’s Orchard Park estate, improving life for residents and future generations.
PSCO Dawn Brown, from the North Hull Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), is the driving force behind ensuring new and improved facilities are put in place for all ages.
Although plans are currently in the early stages, an allotment space has been secured for students at Sirius North Academy, enabling some students to experience practical sessions outside the classroom and potentially join the Duke of Edinburgh’s awards scheme to gain additional qualifications.
Dawn said initial plans and ideas also include redeveloping a netball and 5G football pitch in the Thorpepark Road area, with improved lighting, signage and access, and creating a dedicated motorcycle track where people can ride safely.
Long-term plans include a large building to create a community hub, housing mental health services, youth facilities, an area for older people to meet, a music centre and a place where young people can learn new skills such as mechanics and plumbing.
POSITIVE CHANGE: Humberside Police officers speaking to Orchard Park residents
It is hoped the changes will help to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour while enabling the 16,000-strong community to take pride in their environment.
Dawn has sought funding from the Tribune Trust, a registered charity which provides grants to help groups and communities reduce crime and make their areas safer.
She has also launched a public consultation, asking residents to share any changes they would like to see on the estate and their thoughts on crime in the local area.
She said: “These are all ideas at the moment and dependent on our funding bid but it’s all achievable. The High Sheriff of the East Riding of Yorkshire, Tina Cerutti, is really supportive about making a difference.
“The main problems in the Orchard Park area are antisocial behaviour, vehicle crime and drugs.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT: An officer helping a resident with her shopping
“Orchard Park is a community which is largely full of great people and families. But it’s forgotten about and we need to look at what is here for people of all ages.
“At the beginning of the year, the Home Office launched an initiative called Clear, Hold, Build, in which you tackle crime, manage any emerging issues and build on what you’ve done to improve the area and reduce crime.
“I had a look at Orchard Park and members of the community have asked for various additions and improvements.”
The plans come after Dawn recently won a bravery award for her work on a documentary to warn against the dangers of riding motorbikes dangerously, which is an ongoing problem on the estate.
Impact: The Left Behind documents the case of Macauley Hatch, who died aged 26 after a motorbike crash in north Hull in September 2021, leaving behind his pregnant partner and young child. It shows the impact his death had, and continues to have, on his family and friends, and aims to deter others from riding or driving recklessly.
‘WE’D LIKE MORE PEOPLE TO GET INVOLVED’: PCSO Dawn Brown is appealing to Orchard Park residents
Dawn was the first emergency service person on the scene after Macauley’s crash and the short film, which was her idea, is shown in schools and to community groups to try and make a difference.
Dawn said the public consultation for the community plans has been well received but more residents are encouraged to have their say.
“I’ve met lots of people through the consultation and created an outdoor living room for residents to join me for a conversation at various locations,” she said.
“My colleagues have also spoken to parents, asking them what three things they would most like to see on the estate.
“We’d like more people to get involved because we want to get it right. We need to celebrate the success of this estate and it has to be community-led because you take care of what’s yours.”
HAVE YOUR SAY: The outdoor living room
Dawn also plans to install six brick planters near Ellerburn Shopping Centre, donated and built by Gleeson Homes which is building nearby.
She said: “We’d like to place plaques on the planters in memory of local residents who’ve lost their lives, as it will become a special community-owned feature.
“I don’t want to tell the community what they want - I want them to tell me. The changes and improvements will give residents a better future. Let’s help people to care about where they live and their environment now and for future generations.”
Dawn said she hopes Orchard Park residents know their voices are being heard.
She added: “It’s a proud community and residents are proud of where they live. But there is some mistrust around promises being made in the past which have not been delivered.
“We want residents to see that the police and council are invested in the community to improve it for the better. We’re a partnership and there for the greater good to make the environment better for the future. We’re listening and we can help to enrich residents’ lives.”
To take part in the public consultation and complete the questionnaire, click here.
To discuss placing a plaque in memory of a loved one, email dawn.brown@humberside.police.uk.