CIVIC leaders have issued a call to action – in a bid to make women feel safer across the conurbation.

BCP Council says it has been discussing 'enhanced safety measures' for women following the death of Sarah Everard and the subsequent vigils held across the country.

The council has agreed to establish an internal woman's staff group, to better understand the experiences of colleagues in and out of the workplace, and to issue a call to action on – asking the community to tell the council about all matters around personal safety when out and about.

Council leader Drew Mellor said: "We all have mothers, sisters, wives, daughters and this senseless death has made us readdress our priorities.

"We want them to live in a world without fear, in a fairer and safer environment where they can walk home at night without having to looking over their shoulders.

"Change doesn’t happen overnight, but we understand the need to act on this immediately so we’re addressing the key priorities that will help to bring about the change that is so desperately needed."

One the call to action on areas where women don't feel safe, Cllr Mellor says he wants people to report any areas which need improving.

"That might be additional CCTV in certain places, or perhaps streetlights aren’t working somewhere and trees need to be cut back to improve visibility," he said. "If residents report it, we can look into it for you.

"We are committed to our connected communities objective, empowering our communities so everyone feels safe, engaged and included.”

BCP Council recently invested in additional Community Safety Accreditation Scheme officers to patrol the streets and deal with anti-social behaviour, while funding for additional CCTV cameras has also been received.

Officials say that increased community days of action will take place when Covid-19 restrictions allow.

Deputy council leader Philip Broadhead said: "We believe that the BCP area is a place where people have the right to live, work or visit free of harassment, threat or harm, regardless of their sex or gender.

“We have engaged with councillor May Haines, portfolio holder for community safety to reaffirm our commitment to female safety and our new BCP domestic abuse strategy is expected to be completed in May.

"Furthermore, we are working with our partner agencies including the police, who are naturally all as committed to this cause as we are.”

The council works with local partners – including Dorset Police, the youth offending service and local charities and community groups to tackle crime across the conurbation as part of the Community Safety Partnership (CSP).

Assistant Chief Constable Sam de Reya, CSP chairman said: "“The CSP brings together BCP Council, Dorset Police and other agencies who are all absolutely committed to tackling violence against women and girls, keeping our communities safe and preventing harm.

"We want to ensure the safety of all in our communities, but wholly appreciate how many women and girls will be feeling at this time.

“Our CSP is strong, collaborative and brings together all of the groups and agencies which together can make a difference and protect the communities which we serve."