Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones has unveiled plans for nearly £1 million of funding to be spent on making Lincolnshire's streets safer.

The government has agreed to fund three Lincolnshire bids worth a total of £992,655 for a host of projects that will also look to tackle antisocial behaviour and improve safety for women and girls.

PCC Marc Jones is confident that the measures will make a significant difference. "It demonstrates the innovative thinking and determination being applied to driving down anti-social behaviour, keeping our streets safe, and providing additional practical help to those who feel vulnerable," he said.

This initiative is part of a larger effort that has already brought nearly £2.4 million into Lincolnshire for safety measures.

Here are 10 ways the PCC and local authorities are taking action with the extra funding:

1. Home Safe Scheme: A lifeline for women and girls who feel vulnerable, offering a safe ride home. This scheme, designed to form part of the Ask For Angela project, will work with a local taxi firm in Grantham.
2. Increased Enforcement of Illegal Cigarettes and Vapes: The City of Lincoln will see the employment of an additional licensing officer to work with the evening economy, while employing additional trading standards officer time to tackle the sale of illegal cigarettes and vapes.
3. CCTV Network Upgrade: A sweeping upgrade and expansion of the CCTV system across Lincolnshire, including Sleaford, Spalding, and Grantham, will enhance police capabilities and public safety. In Lincoln, for example, an additional 15 CCTV cameras will be installed to cover blind spots.
4. Warden Patrol Expansion: Grantham will benefit from an extra 28 hours of warden patrols each week, focusing on the town's nightlife. Meanwhile, two additional anti-social behaviour wardens will join the force in Lincoln to maintain order.
5. Violence Against Women and Girls Coordinator Role: A dedicated coordinator in Grantham will manage initiatives like 'Ask Angela' and public information campaigns to combat violence against women and girls.
6. Enhanced CCTV Monitoring: More eyes on the streets during peak times will ensure a proactive approach to crime prevention in Grantham and Lincoln.
7. Skegness Car Park Overhaul: A series of security enhancements in Skegness car parks will deter anti-social behaviour and unauthorised encampments. These include new cameras, barriers, and bollards to prevent vehicle-related nuisance at locations such as Princess Parade, North Festival, and North Parade car parks.
8. Education and Empowerment: Schools in Grantham will host educational packages promoting respect and safety, while self-defence classes will empower residents and youngsters.
9. Personal Safety Gear: The distribution of 500 personal alarms and 5,000 anti-spiking devices will provide practical tools for individual safety.
10. PubWatch Radio Network: Enhancing communication among venues to quickly share information about any safety concerns or incidents. Further work will also take place with Street Pastors and other companies to improve the Home Safe initiatives.

Local authorities are already gearing up to put these plans into action.

Councillor Sue Burke, Portfolio Holder for Reducing Inequality at City of Lincoln Council, said: "Safety is a high priority at the city council, and we are proud to be collaborating with our partners to deliver this scheme.

"Adding that extra layer of reassurance during an evening with an increase in CCTV and the return of the wardens will help give both residents and visitors peace of mind when walking alone at night."

South Holland District Council Councillor Tracey Carter, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities and Operational Housing, said: "I welcome these two additional cameras to Ayscoughfee.

"We have had some recent anti-social behaviour issues in and around the Gardens, so these will help deter potential offenders and provide peace of mind to both residents and visitors."

"These additional cameras will help supplement the 18 'Safer Streets' cameras already in Spalding, and ensure that we preserve Ayscoughfee Hall and Gardens as the lovely attraction it is."

North Kesteven District Council Executive Member for Corporate and Community Services Councillor Sally Tarry said: "The opportunity to upgrade these CCTV cameras in Sleaford town centre… together with the addition of four new CCTV cameras by the council through the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund… amounts to a really positive investment in helping our local communities stay safe and continue to feel safe.

"We hope that both the upgrades and the new cameras will be complete by spring next year.