A PIONEERING scheme to improve life for people in Taunton’s Halcon area has won a top police award – and could scoop a national prize.

The project has gained Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s £1,000 problem-solving award – cash that will be matched by Taunton Deane Council.

The scheme goes forward to the Home Office’s Tilley Awards to recognise problem-solving partnerships.

The Halcon scheme was initiated by Sgt Andy Murphy who believed that good work being done in the area could be more effective if agencies such as the police, district and county councils worked more closely.

The Halcon Multi-Agency Forum, chaired by Deane strategic director Brendan Cleere, was formed and its achievements include creating the Acorn Children’s Centre, the planned £380,000 play area and park near Asda and the installation of five CCTV cameras.

The £2,000 is likely to be shared by the Link Centre and Halcon Primary School.

Halcon ward councillor Steve Brooks said: “It’s another recognition that a lot of work is going on in the area and that the community is starting to believe in itself.

“It makes sense for organisations to work together and in Halcon this has resulted in strong relationships which can only benefit the people who live there.”

Sgt Murphy said: “The Halcon project is testament to those residents who wanted change within their community.

“Through sound partnership working and a commitment to bring about change throughout Halcon, new projects are helping regenerate this community.

“It remains however, a work in progress and, together with continued resident support, we can collectively make Taunton Deane a safer place.”