The decision to terminate the Aston Project, a highly regarded police initiative credited with steering young people away from crime, has sparked outrage and been labeled a “betrayal” by community leaders urging a reversal of the move.
Established in 2011 and renamed in honor of the late neighbourhood police constable Lynn Aston, the Aston Project focused on identifying at-risk youth and connecting them with supportive community resources and activities. Over the years, it evolved into a vital lifeline, providing mentorship and hope for many young people across Gloucestershire.
However, Gloucestershire Constabulary has decided to axe the program as part of broader budget cuts aimed at addressing a £12.3 million funding gap. This has raised widespread concerns about the long-term impact of losing a program that many see as essential in preventing youth crime.
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Alisha Lewis, Cheltenham Borough Council’s finance and assets cabinet member, has voiced strong opposition to the decision, emphasizing the detrimental consequences for the Oakley and Whaddon communities. In a letter to Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson, Lewis called the move “devastating” and pleaded for the project’s continuation.
“For years, the Aston Project has played a vital role in supporting young people in my ward. It has never been just a policing initiative; it has been a lifeline,” Lewis wrote. “It provided structure, hope, and a path away from crime. To allow this project to disappear now, especially amid rising youth challenges and reduced police presence, is not only short-sighted—it’s a betrayal.”
She also highlighted how the project represented a meaningful legacy of Constable Lynn Aston, whose name still deeply resonates within the community. The loss of the program coincides with growing concerns over increased drug use, exploitation of youths by criminal gangs, vandalism, and a decline in public safety in these neighbourhoods.
Lewis criticized the rising police precepts that place financial strain on low-income families while police visibility diminishes, questioning the value residents receive for their contributions. “Scrapping the Aston Project may save pennies now, but it will cost lives and burden communities in the long run,” she warned.
Responding to the backlash, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) stated that ending the Aston Project was a hard but necessary cut to manage the financial shortfall. Gloucestershire Constabulary emphasized their commitment to improving core services and increasing frontline officers in neighbourhood policing teams to address prevalent crimes such as anti-social behaviour and shoplifting.
Though the project and the Boost Programme can no longer be funded, the police assured continued youth engagement through designated officers working with schools and community partners. Senior officials have also met with Eamon Aston to express gratitude for his and Lynn Aston’s long-standing dedication to youth support.
Ultimately, while acknowledging the project’s value, Gloucestershire Constabulary maintains that tough choices must be made to meet urgent budget targets and continue delivering essential policing improvements.