TRADERS in Islington have been given new radios to help them tune out crime and anti-social behaviour.<br>The North End Essex Road Small Business Association (NESBA) now has 14 radios linked to a set with Islington Police's local Safer Neighbourhoods Team.<br>Their £180 handsets were paid for by Islington Council, with antenna equipment installation paid for through the Safer Islington Partnership's Magpi community panels.<br>If there is any sign of shoplifting or other anti-social behaviour, traders can use the radios to immediately alert other scheme members and police.<br>Cllr Lucy Watt, Islington Council's Executive Member for Regeneration, said: "Traders in Essex Road now have a first-class radio network to help them work together to make this important shopping parade safer for them and for local people who use these important small shops.<br>"I'm impressed with how everyone has worked together to make this scheme happen, and pleased that the council was able to help."<br>A similar council-funded scheme in Nags Head has proved successful in deterring criminals from targeting local shops.<br>Saro Castagna, chairman of Nesba and owner of Amadeus Hair, said: "Now that the shops are equipped with radios, the traders are able to contact one another if there are any problems. <br>"Now they feel safe within the community. It has also boosted business relationships; individual shops have direct contact with one another, whether in need of help or simply as a means of exchanging information and news. <br>"What was once a solitary business has become part of a community. With the help of Islington Council and the police we will make this part of Essex Road a brighter, safer and happier place to shop. <br>"Watch Essex Road developing!"<br>Sergeant Mark Rutherford from Islington's Canonbury Ward Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "This initiative started when the Safer Neighborhood teams were set up in January 2006. Determination from all parties has seen several obstacles overcome and the idea has become a reality. <br>"The intention of the radios is to strengthen the small business community; many are lone traders who may feel isolated and this is to help provide support for each other should there be any problems - be it crime or just something they cannot deal with on their own.<br>"The Safer Neighborhood Team (SNT) will have a radio so there is additional support and reassurance with a degree of direct communication over and above that provided by the SNT mobile phone."<br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009