We discuss the negatives in our society but what about the positives? ELISA BRAY finds out what the Bromley Community Safety Awards have to offer and how your work could be recognised ...

THE first ever Community Safety Awards are being brought to you by the Bromley Community Safety Partnership.

This a joint effort by all the groups which have an impact on the safety of the community, including the police, fire brigade, social services, victim support and education.

While trends show crime in London is falling, people believe it is getting worse and it is this fear the partnership wants to curb.

Do residents know Bromley is one of the safest boroughs in London?

The aim of the awards is to recognise the contributions groups and individuals make to community safety in Bromley.

Awards up for grabs

Best Community Safety Scheme: Awarded to a group of individuals or partners who have worked to make a difference in their community which must be within the Bromley borough.

Best Community Safety Champion: Awarded to an individual who has improved safety in Bromley through persistence, leadership and community spirit.

Safest Business: To recognise a local business that has shown commitment to making its community safer.

Safest School: Awarded to the Bromley school which can show the biggest commitment to improving the safety of its pupils, staff and parents, and wider neighbourhood.

Young Person: Awarded to the person under 21 who has shown leadership which has made a difference to Bromley.

Partnership spokesman Chief Inspector Adrian Young said: "Rather than look at all the negatives, we are looking at the people who are making contributions and making the place safer.

"Graffiti makes an area look run down. If you live in an area and it looks grotty, you think it is getting worse.

"Fear is increasing and we want to try and address the perception crime is getting worse.

"Actually, a lot of people are trying to make a difference in the area and if you can encourage this behaviour and it spreads it will improve the area anyway.

"We are aiming to make Bromley the safest borough. We hope the Community Safety Awards will prove a success and year on year it will grow."

The awards, which total £4,500, will be spread across five categories three gold awards worth £1,000, two silver awards at £500 and two bronze awards worth £250.

The entry deadline has been extended to June 1 and you can download an application form from local authority website www.bromley.gov.uk, or call 020 8284 8847.

All you have to do is choose one of the categories and write a brief description of why you deserve the award, who has been involved, what you achieved and give details about who can verify your accomplishments.