CityNet event welcomes DISC training and more!
This month saw the inaugural CityNet event for both the day and night-time economies and it was fantastic to see it so well received amongst CityNet members and partners. The meeting covered a variety of hot topics, including a demonstration on DISC, free training courses and workshops and an update on the work we are doing on licensed premises.
DISC is CityNet’s new website and mobile app and the event welcomed Charlie Newman, the app developer, who gave a demonstration on how to use the software and how it can be used to benefit our members. It’s our members one-stop shop for reporting incidents of crime to the scheme, browsing prolific offenders, receiving news and alerts, instant messaging each other and submitting public realm reports. DISC also allows members to report crime directly to the Crime Bureau. With reports ranging from theft, violence to begging and street drinking, this app lets users identify problem areas and authorities to combat these issues.
On top of this exciting app, we are now running weekly Safer Business workshops. The workshops are free for Worcester BID and CityNet members and will go through everything needed to help keep customers, staff and businesses safe. Topics covered will include managing conflict, radio operation, DISC, loss prevention and spotting the signs of suspicious behaviour. The training is perfect for any kind of business, whether you are a retailer, bar, restaurant, salon or office, the workshops will give you and your staff the confidence and tools to effectively handle potential situations.
As well as this, Worcester BID is working alongside the West Midlands Counter Terrorism unit to organise ACT Counter Terrorism training. This one-hour session is free for Worcester BID and CityNet members and comes with an online course which gives attendees a nationally recognised accreditation.
Worcester BID also organises free Customer Service and Social Media courses. The customer service courses cover a range of topics, including ‘Customers with Disabilities’ and ‘Principles of Customer Service’ whilst the social media courses can cater for basic and advanced abilities covering any social media platform out there!
As well as training courses, Worcester BID has been working alongside licensees to improve customer experience and safety through Best Bar None. This accreditation looks to reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder by assessing licensed premises on their responsible management. The assessment period has now begun and, since the CityNet meeting, both Slug & Lettuce and Cote Brasserie have achieved accreditation! Several other businesses will now be looking to follow their lead over the next few weeks, and these venues successes will then be celebrated with a high-profile awards night towards the end of the year!
Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting, to Charlie Newman from DISC for the wonderful training on the system and to the Guildhall for providing such a beautiful venue. We hope that everyone who attended found the event both informative and useful and we will be looking forward to the next one!
If you would like more information on the topics discussed, please contact James Bell on 01905 731 612 or james.bell@worcesterbid.com.
Future High Streets Fund Application Progressing
Worcester's application is amongst 50 additional towns and cities that have been selected to go through to the second round of the Future High Streets Fund
The city was shortlisted for a share of a £1billion government fund to transform high streets and shopping areas. The money could be used in various ways, such as converting empty shops into homes or offices, or improving transport links. As a successful FHS Fund candidate, Worcester's application team will now receive up to £150,000 to develop detailed project proposals that can be submitted for capital funding of up to £25million. The news follows the announcement earlier this year that the city was successful with another bid from the government's Cultural Development Fund, to turn Worcester's railway arches into a business and arts hub.
Read the full article here:
Wednesday Rubbish Walks
Worcester BID and the Duckworth Trust bring you a weekly chance to help keep your city centre and riverside walks clean and free of litter. Duckworth Worcestershire Trust will be at South Quay gardens with a free loan of litter picking equipment from 12 noon every Wednesday throughout August. Adult and Kids equipment available for your own #rubbishwalk.
Bring your bag of rubbish back to the stand at South Quay and we will weigh it to add to the grand total at the end of the summer.
The Shambles: Update
The Shambles, Worcester Public Realm Scheme
Progress and programme update Friday 12th July 2019
As programmed, the main section of footway works on The Shambles was completed at the end June. The team have since made an excellent start to renewing the paving in Church Street.
During the first two weeks of July, the large section of paving from the High Street to St Swithin’s Church has been significantly completed. This has involved removing the existing block paving and laying the new natural stone paving slabs. A new drainage channel has been formed using natural stone setts to collect and divert rainwater runoff into the existing drainage system.
Over the coming weeks, we will continue to renew the paving in Church Street. As we enter the narrow section past St Swithin’s Church, our working hours will alter to evenings and Church Street will be closed
completely to all pedestrian traffic. This will allow us to maintain public safety whilst minimising potential disruption during the works.
Pedestrian Marshalls will continue to be on site to assist pedestrians through the works area and with pedestrian access to frontages potentially affected by our works.
Terry Godwin our Public Liaison Offer as well as the senior site staff will continue to update everyone on progress and assist in answering any questions that may arise regarding our works.
