Cheltenham Borough Council has extended a pioneering initiative designed to combat organised crime and enhance community wellbeing. The project focuses on The Moors, the first area in Gloucestershire to be included in the Home Office’s “Clear – Hold – Build” programme.
This initiative targets the root causes of organised crime by fostering community resilience, strengthening trust in local agencies, and making neighbourhoods safer. In June 2024, Cheltenham implemented a local lettings plan allowing the council to deny tenancies to individuals connected to organised crime or with a history of anti-social behaviour.
Following a successful first year, the policy has now been extended for an additional five years in response to community feedback and to provide stability amid ongoing local government restructuring.
READ MORE: Gloucestershire Airport Set for Sale Above £25 Million as City Council Approves Top Bidder
READ MORE: Shoplifter Nicknamed ‘Red Shoes’ Banned from Multiple Evesham Stores Including Boots and M&S
Councillor David Willingham (LD, St Peter’s) highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project’s success: “Thanks to the dedicated work of the police, council, and partners, we’ve seen clear progress. Extending the Clear – Hold – Build scheme ensures we maintain momentum and deliver lasting change for the community.”
A Cheltenham Borough Council spokesperson emphasized the importance of the policy: “Clear – Hold – Build is about breaking the cycle of organised criminality impacting our communities. The local lettings plan is a crucial tool that prevents those linked to crime or anti-social behaviour from settling in vulnerable areas, allowing us to foster strong, sustainable communities aligned with our Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy.”
The council and its partners remain committed to creating safe environments where all residents can thrive long term.