Keeping The Focus On Anti-Social
Behaviour |
13 Oct 2006 |
South Tyneside Council is continuing to respond to
public concerns to keep up the pressure on the minority
of people who are responsible for anti-social behaviour.
Tackling anti-social behaviour remains one of the
Council's top priorities and a new in-depth Commission
starts work next week (Wednesday 18th October) to follow
up on the success of a number of initiatives, which
have been introduced in the past two years.
The focussed three- day Commission chaired by Councillor
Nancy Maxwell will examine in detail the progress,
which has been achieved since a previous Commission
in 2004 made a number of recommendations to deal with
the problems on anti-social behaviour on a wide front.
Councillor Maxwell says: "The Council takes the
issue of anti-social behaviour very seriously. Our
approach has been a balance of education, prevention
and support and where necessary enforcement to deal
with problems. We very much aware that despite our
successes, a large number of people still do not feel
safe living in their area."
"Our latest MORI Survey results show that a very
large percentage (71%) feel intimidated by young people,
45% said they know someone who has been a victim of
crime or anti-social behaviour. A staggering 48% say
that they have suffered from other forms of anti-social
behaviour such as graffiti, noisy neighbours and youths
causing a nuisance."
The latest Commission will look at how the Council's
policies are being implemented and will seek to identify
where additional support may be needed.
A key task will be to ensure that the current best
practices are being followed and the Commission will
seek advice and guidance from Middlesbrough Council
where robust policies have had good results, as well
as Kirklees Council, which is very effective in using
existing legislation to deal with those who commit
anti-social behaviour. The Commission will also contact
the Government's anti-social behaviour unit for advice.
South Tyneside has an Anti-Social Behaviour Unit and
a dedicated Community Warden Service and an Anti-Social
Behaviour Strategy brings together a range of Council
services to tackle problems in a unified and co-ordinated
manner. This work includes sports development, which
has introduced facilities such as the seafront skateboard
park to reduce the likelihood of youngsters getting
involved in trouble.
The Youth and Community Services are working together
to provide activities aimed reducing tensions between
young an old people. Trading Standards deals with minimising
the sale of alcohol to under-age youngsters, and the
problems caused by substance misuse. The Council's
successful 'Blitz It' and 'Do Your Bit' campaigns have
helped to tackle environmental crime.
"Everything we are doing is having an effect
and through the new Commission we want to maintain
our progress. We are part of the national 'Together'
and 'Respect' campaigns. We are fully committed to
making sure that everyone should take a stand and be
accountable for the actions and uphold standards of
decency and behaviour," said Councillor Maxwell.
The Commission's first session takes place at South
Shields Town Hall on Wednesday (18th October) starting
at 9.45am. There will be a series of other sessions
and fact-finding visits culminating a series of recommendations
to the Council's Cabinet later in the year.
Councillor Maxwell adds: "The Commission is open
to anyone who wants to come along for the day or part
of the day. They will be made very welcome and will
have the opportunity to see what we do and what we
are planning to do about anti-social behaviour problems
in this Borough."
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