A COMMUNITY safety initiative targeting Hartlepool residents through televised messages has been launched.

Safer Hartlepool Partnership Television (SHPTV) is aiming to give people advice and information on a range of crime and personal safety issues.

Messages will be broadcast via screens placed in a number of locations, including the towns Civic Centre, the Borough Councils Bryan Hanson House offices, Mill House Leisure Centre, the University Hospital of Hartlepools A and E Department and the Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.

Operating under the banner of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, Cleveland Police, Cleveland Fire Brigade and Housing Hartlepool have joined forces to provide the information that is to be played on the screens.

Hartlepool Mayor Stuart Drummond who is also chair of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, said: We are always looking for new and innovative ways of getting our messages across to local people, and we are delighted to be launching Safer Hartlepool Partnership Television.

We have carefully selected the locations for the television screens so that we reach out to as many people as possible.

Hartlepool Police District Commander Superintendent Andy Summerbell said: This exciting new venture will allow us to communicate with people to let them know about the hard work that is taking place in the town.

Dave Turton, Hartlepool District Manager for Cleveland Fire Brigade, added: This will enable all partner organisations to promote key safety messages and reassure people that, as agencies, we are all working for them and committed to making our town a safer place to live and work.