Public places causing concern for women and girls in Cumbria are under renewed police scrutiny.

Officers have tuned in to provide feedback from an online survey, ‘Call it Out,' which was conducted earlier this year.

The survey, which received 2,480 participant responses, included questions about how women and girls felt about their own personal safety in homes, towns and neighbourhoods.

Detective Inspector Matt Belshaw, the constabulary's dedicated operational detective inspector overseeing work on this issue, said: “What we found was the areas that were already subject to our preventative measures and patrols were the key places highlighted in people’s concerns.

“But it also highlighted some additions to our existing knowledge, for instance there might be mention of a path leading to a known area of concern that worries people, and our plans to prevent crime – including patrols and work with partners - will change to take these into account." The survey found that groups of people loitering made women feel unsafe, and that night-time was particularly dreaded.

Nearly three in four respondents had experienced inappropriate behaviour, or language.

Cumbria Constabulary carries out proactive patrols around bars and clubs to target potential predators.

A Safer Streets Welfare Hub is functional in Carlisle to support vulnerable people in the night, with plans of extending the reach to the west and south of the county.

The data from Call It Out has helped with bids for funding from the Home Office's Safer Streets Funds to use for safety initiatives.

In Workington, attention turns to The Line, starting on Harrington Road through to Moorclose.

Overgrown areas will be cut back, paths upgraded, additional signage provided, and graffiti and signs of substance abuse will be removed.

Lighting in Hammond's Pond, Carlisle, will be improved in the park.

In Penrith town centre, activities will focus in reducing anti-social behaviour.

As well as already known areas of concern, the survey also highlighted new ones including in Cleator Moor and in some areas of Kendal.

Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “Violence against anyone is unacceptable, but we understand that women and girls are more likely to experience it in day-to-day life, which is why we are adamant to put an end to it.

“It simply will not be tolerated in Cumbria and I would like to urge anyone who has experienced this type of violence to please report it to the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency."