A blueprint for tackling anti social behaviour has been given the thumbs up by Wigan Council’s ruling cabinet.
Partnership between the council, Wigan and Leigh Housing, police and fire services is at the heart of a high-profile new approach to making the borough’s communities safer and greener.
The council says it wants to make sure local people know who to turn to when confronted with troublemakers.
Cabinet member for neighbourhoods, Cllr Kevin Anderson, said: “Anti social behaviour can have an immense and damaging impact on communities, local businesses and visitors to the area. This policy clearly sets out how we’ll deal with it and what people can expect from us.
“We are committed to providing an effective, easy to access service which will encourage all residents to report incidents.
“This is a new document but it’s far more than a piece of paper. In a recent survey, residents said loud and clear that anti social behaviour is their top priority and it’s up to all of us in the public services to work together on their behalf. This sets us on course to do so more effectively in the future.”
At the heart of the new approach will be the council’s neighbourhood teams, which will deal with all anti social behaviour complaints to the council and work with a range of partners who make up a new ‘Building Stronger Communities’ partnership.
The document recognises that it’s not simply a case of using the law to deal with offenders. Improving the cleanliness of the borough and increasing the range of things to do for young people are also important weapons in the fight against anti social behaviour.
Environmental services director Martin Kimber told cabinet members: “Anti-social behaviour is a consistent concern highlighted by residents of the borough over recent years.
“The council and its partners continue to put considerable effort into reducing the impact of antisocial behaviour with some notable success.
“But it may not always be clear to the public what local services are committed to doing to deal with the issue”, added Mr Kimber.
Types of anti social behaviour that will be tackled under the new policy includes noise, intimidation, aggressive behaviour, drug related nuisance, litter and graffiti, domestic violence and racial harassment.
In extreme cases the council will consider using professional witnesses when residents are too frightened to be publicly named.
Wigan and Leigh Housing has already seen a 70% increase in possession orders against anti social tenants and says this is a direct response to tenants’ demands.
* Complaints of anti-social behaviour can be reported by phone to a dedicated helpline, 01942 404021; by email to reportsasb@wigan.gov.uk ; or in writing to Neighbourhood Teams, Sovereign Road Portacabins, Wilton Street, Wigan WN1 3AE.
