Anti-social behaviour hotline launched
Members of the public wanting to report anti-social behaviour will from today be able to call a specialist hotline.
The Government is keen to make action on anti-social behaviour a key part of its law and order policy and this hotline aims to raise local communities’ access to help.
The actionline will be active in 25 areas, mainly in the North East and local residents are being urged to call to report problems in the neighbourhood. These problems could range from graffiti, abandoned cars to reporting nuisance neighbours.
The service will go live in Gateshead, Newcastle, South Tyneside and Sunderland from today. Callers from outside the areas covered by the new scheme will be told to contact their local council in the normal way.
Households in the participating areas will receive leaflets through the door promoting the number – 0845 605 2222 0 – and feedback cards explaining how complaints have been dealt with.
Launching the pilot scheme, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears, said: “What we’re saying today is simple – It’s your call. Pick up the phone and make a difference. Together we can tackle anti-social behaviour.”
Claiming that “significant progress” has been made by the Government in tackling the problem, such as introducing ASBOs, she said: “But there is still more to do. We need the public to play their part too and take some responsibility for where they live. Engaging local people is vital to create strong communities and tackle the thugs who can destroy people’s quality of life and ruin neighbourhoods.”
