Study shows grime leads to a fear of crime...
Londoners feel unsafe in areas of the capital which are blighted by litter and graffiti, according to a new survey.
‘London; Its People and their Litter’ has found that the condition of the local environment can significantly affect feelings of wellbeing.
Keep Britain Tidy carried out the research for the Capital Standards programme. More than 2,400 residents were interviewed across London outside tube stations or in local high streets.
Their responses to questions around local environmental quality indicated how poor surroundings can impact on feelings of safety. Among the issues of greatest concern were litter, graffiti, vandalism, dog fouling, poorly maintained highways and fly-tipping.
Phil Barton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said: "Residents feel less safe in streets which are blighted by problems such as litter and graffiti. There is a clear correlation between the prevalence of low level anti-social behaviour and people’s fear of more serious crime."
The study also highlighted a possible ‘climate of resignation’ in less affluent areas, where residents were less likely to report environmental problems because they had come to accept them as the norm.
"It is deeply worrying if poorer areas are suffering from a vicious circle where environmental quality and people’s expectations of their neighbourhood slide lower and lower," Mr Barton added.
"Local authorities must encourage residents to report problems and then respond promptly, thus showing that people can bring about improvements to their area and that high environmental standards are achievable in all neighbourhoods, whatever their circumstances."
Kenny Wilks of Capital Standards said it was important to use the research as a springboard for achieving its aim of working together for a cleaner London for 2012 and beyond.
"While the study has identified some problems that must be addressed, it also gives much cause for optimism," he said. "Two thirds of people are satisfied with their area as a place to live while half are content with how safe they feel.
"It is vital that we all continue to work together to ensure that London’s environment is of the best possible standard for both 2012 and far into the future."