The ‘Community Action Network’ or ‘CAN’ is an innovative scheme that was established by Bolsover District Council and its partners in an effort to assist communities and residents in the District tackle a variety of problems that affect their quality of life.

The scheme’s main aim is to improve the overall well being of the Districts' communities by addressing issues associated with Crime and Disorder, Health, Anti-Social Behaviour and the Environment.

The scheme is undertaken by a team of Community Rangers who cover special geographical areas in association with the district offices at Bolsover, Clowne, Shirebrook and South Normanton.

The Rangers work closely with the Police and other enforcement agencies to provide a fully integrated service that is of benefit to our communities in tackling crime and disorder. The scheme also involves a great deal of consultation both with the community and our business associates to ensure that we are providing what local people want.

The Community Rangers undertake a variety of tasks including:

• Anti-Social Behaviour - nuisance neighbours, gangs of youths etc.
• Liveability – fly-tipping, abandoned vehicles, removing syringes and monitoring street cleaning.
• Partnership Working - joint operations with the Police, fire risk assessments with the Fire Service, fitting safety equipment with the Primary Care Trust, working with Housing Associations and assisting mobile wardens.
• Community Work - attending crime cracking events, attending resident group meetings and safer estates meetings.
• Preventing Crime and Fear of Crime - high visibility presence, fitting security measures to properties, offering crime reduction advice, gathering intelligence and providing drugs mapping information.
• Linking with Neighbourhood Management - helping community houses with every day activities, helping with sports diversionary tactics. 

In summary, the ‘Community Action Network’ has been established in response to concerns raised by our residents and provides a safer environment for those who, live, work, trade, visit and enjoy the facilities of the district, providing them with a better quality of life.

From April 2005 four of the Rangers have been part of the new Neighbourhood Beat Teams that the police are leading on, these are made up of police Beat Officers, Specials, PCSOs and Street Wardens (4 Rangers), the teams will be working specifically in Bolsover and Shirebrook.  Future plans include expanding the teams to include other frontline members of staff and to include other areas.

Useful CAN Numbers

Contact Centres:

Bolsover, Clowne, Shirebrook and South Normanton can all be contacted on 01246 242424

Emergency Number (evening & weekends only) 01246 242295