Date: 03/07/2008
The appointment of a new anti-social behaviour officer and a new action plan confirms that High Peak Borough Council wants the prevention of anti-social behaviour to remain at the top of our agenda.
The Borough's new anti-social behaviour officer, Hannah Cocker has joined community safety officer, Alena Canty, and partnership sergeant Garry Staples, in the Council's community safety team. The team works closely with community groups and agencies to help prevent crime and make the High Peak a safer place to live.
Hannah is the first point of contact for residents, who feel that they are being harassed, either by a neighbour or by groups of people in public places for example. Her role is to prevent further anti-social behaviour in specific cases and to help prevent it through planning and encouraging diversionary activities for young people.
Hannah said: "My primary concern is to deal with anti-social behaviour issues as soon as possible, so that problems do not become worse. Anti-Social Behaviour Orders are the last resort, not the aim of my role. I shall be working closely with the community safety team, councillors, partners and young people to prevent anti-social conduct in the Borough."
The action plan, developed by councillors, will be key to Hannah's work. The action plan includes measures that will ensure improved communication with young people through newsletters; strengthening the role of councillors within schools and improving joint working with partners, such as the police and the youth service.
Tony Ashton, Leader of High Peak Borough Council, said: "In the last citizens' panel survey, there was a big reduction in the number of residents who believe that anti-social behaviour is a problem where they live. However, people understandably worry when they perceive problems in their own neighbourhoods."
He confirmed: "The appointment of the new anti-social behaviour officer and the action plan will help us to further tackle anti-social behaviour by preventing and reducing incidents, and will reassure residents."
Anyone who wishes to discuss anti-social behaviour, or crime-related issues, can contact Hannah and the community safety team, during office hours, on 0845 129 7777 extension 2056.
Photo: High Peak's community safety team (from left), partnership sergeant Garry Staples, anti-social behaviour officer Hannah Cocker and community safety officer Alena Canty.