THE jailing for life of rapist Richard Bawden is a cause for relief and comfort for women across the Faithful City.

It's coincidental, but timely, that news of the 29-year-old's sentencing comes as organisers of the Safer Worcester Partnership seek volunteers to identify areas of the city where, they say, they're too terrified to walk alone.

We all know about the fear of crime and the perception of it.

Though police distinguish between the two - anxious that the community doesn't imagine there's a problem where one doesn't exist - they're both real concerns, because both condition the way people plan and live their lives.

Bawden struck as his victim walked home alone through Gheluvelt Park late at night.

It doesn't need us to explain that it was far from the safest place to be.

However, there are others areas as risky as that part of Barbourne which people can't avoid, and it does highlight the need to make as much if our city as accessible and threat-free as possible.

CCTV, once regarded with suspicion, has proved itself as a provider of evidence in the catching of criminals. But, as a weapon against crime, it's at its best as a deterrent.

The Safer Worcester Partnership's survey isn't only about the avoidance of attack or injury, it's about quality of life.

At its simplest, the message echoing among those who've already volunteered to take part in it is that, so far as the criminal's concerned, we won't run and we won't hide. We'll take back what's ours.

If ever there's a reason for others to become involved, it's to make sure that people like Richard Bawden never have an opportunity to strike in the first place.