GRAVESHAM Council has been praised for falling crime rates in the borough – but has yet to convince people living here that the streets are safe, according to a report by the Audit Commission.

The independent body rated the council’s community safety department as “good” with “promising prospects for improvement” following an inspection earlier this year.

Its work in helping north Kent Police to reduce crime “at a rate better than the average” was highly commended – seeing a drop in overall crime by 29 per cent since 2003/04, the biggest reduction in the county.

However, the report also notes that “violent crime remains above average and although the fear of crime is decreasing, it is still higher than the average for the county”.

Council leader, Cllr Mike Snelling said: “Community safety is this administration’s number one priority – and it is encouraging that the service has been recognised by the independent commission. It reflects credit on all the partner agencies as well as the entire council’s staff.

“Getting the message across that crime and anti-social behaviour has fallen and is falling is vital to making people feel safer in Gravesham.”

Do you feel safe in Gravesend? Write to us with your views at 7 High Street, Gravesend, Kent, DA11 0BQ, or email gravesendmessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk, or click on the speakout link on this page and leave your comments.