Nuisance News Issue 42

ocial Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group

nuisance news The quarterly newsletter of the Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group

This issue

This issue includes articles from

Issue 42

June 2007

A tribute to Tim

Our largest ever conference

the following members:Aspire Housing Bowlee Park Housing Chelmer Housing Partnership Harvest Housing Group Hounslow Homes Hyde HA Kingfisher HA Knightstone HA Mid Devon DC New Progress HA Poplar HARCA Redditch BC

Wednesday 16th May 2007 was a day of very mixed feelings for everyone

Richmond Housing Partnership

connected to the Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group.

South Liverpool Housing

It was with deep regret and great sadness that we announced the untimely

Stoke on Trent CC

death of Tim Winter, our National Organiser. As many people will be aware

Sunderland Housing Group

Tim had been off work for sometime and was recuperating in Barbados.

Sutton Housing Partnership

On Friday 4th May Tim suffered a stroke and was admitted to hospital

Three Valleys Housing

however his condition deteriorated and sadly he passed away on the 9th May.

Twin Valley Home

Delegates at the Conference were shocked at the news but everyone agreed

Wales & West HA

that the SLCNG Conference had to go ahead in the ‘sprit’ that Tim would have

Waterloo HA

wanted, i.e. lively, vibrant and noisy. Delegates at the conference did exactly

West Kent HA

that, there was a real ‘buzz’ all day.

A new partnership

continued on inside page....

At our conference, we were very

Peter Jackson said “Given the

pleased to announce a new

complexity of the laws governing

partnership with Whiteheads

anti-social behaviour, it is

solicitors.

important for us to have a

The arrangement will entitle our

productive relationship with a firm

members to top quality legal

of solicitors which provides such

services from Whiteheads and will

high quality legal advice.“

mean that we will work in

Pictured (left to right) Peter Whitehead,

partnership with a well established

Paul Lloyd, Neil Whitehead (all

and highly regarded firm.

Whiteheads solicitors], Peter Jackson

A tribute A tribute to Tim Our largest ever conference (continued)

This year we had more organisations

Chartered Institute of Housing who

attending, more exhibitors and more

chaired the conference, as well as all the

people attending their first conference

exhibitors, delegates, speakers,

for the first time.

workshops leaders and conference staff

We would like to thank Joe Tuke, Director

for making this years conference the

of the Respect Task Force, The Home

‘Best Yet’.

Office and David Butler Chief Executive

Tim would have loved every minute of it.

Tim Winter I had the privilege of knowing Tim for ten

Tim’s sudden and tragic death has come as a great

years or more – virtually the whole life of

shock to all of us in the SLCNG, and SLCNG has lost its

the Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group. To say

great advocate and worker.

that he blossomed in the role of National Organiser would

Tim joined us in 1996 having previously been in the

be an understatement. If anyone gripped an organisation

Housing Service at Birmingham City Council. He was

and helped it grow to one of national importance, Tim did.

involved in the growth of the group from its early

Tim was SLCNG.

lobbying days in 1995 when no one took ASB seriously, Peter Jackson, Managing Director, SLCNG

Tim came into my life when I applied for the administrator role with the company. Even in that stressful situation Tim put me at my ease and made the process much less traumatic by his easy manner and gentle questioning.

There were even some light hearted moments, and though I didn’t know at that point Tim would be my boss, I knew I liked this man in front of me.

After the first week I was left alone with Tim and that was when the relationship really started to grow. He became my guide in this new world I had not worked in before. I quickly realised he would be my mentor and confidant.

Through tough times and happy times at work he was always there to talk to, never to busy to sit down and listen

and when almost no remedies were available, through to the present day when ASB is part of landlords’ core business. Over those 11 years, Tim became well known to most people on a personal basis, and over that time he helped develop literally thousands of practitioners.

He made SLCNG one of the few organisations who can really say its networking works . He visited and revisited conferences and events to spread the word and to represent SLCNG and attract members.

Tim saw the intense work on Housing Act 1996, the Crime and Disorder Act and the Woolf report which in effect put ASB on the legislative and judicial maps. He worked since those days on ASB in partnership structures that now reflect the political and professional broadening of the ASB issue. His own highlight

to concerns as well as achievements. To have a boss who

was probably his evidence to the Home Office Select

was so approachable and available was something I had

Committee on ASB in 2005.

not experienced before and it made for a happy office,

Over the years Tim maintained his enthusiasm for

even when things were going wrong around us. We always

tackling ASB and relished the debate and interactions

found the answers between us.

on policy issues putting the SLCNG position forcefully.

Right from the start it was obvious that Tim was

Tim attended and was responsible for organising every

passionate about his work and this has been obvious from

SLCNG Conference, and he particularly liked the buzz of

the messages I have received from across the country.

the Standing Conference. Last month’s conference was

There is so much more I could write but it is enough to say

a fitting testament to the legacy that Tim has left us.

Tim was more than a boss to me. He was my guide, my

All of us at the SLCNG send our condolences to Tim’s

mentor, my rock and my friend

family at this sad time.

Sharon Mackley

Directors of the SLCNG

Editorial

Making progress on the Group’s Development Strategy

of key issues for development over the coming months. It is important that SLCNG is able to draw on the experience of the PAG members if we are to continue to influence the national agenda and to speak from a position of authority.

A priority for me and my fellow Directors over the last

Website

eighteen months or so has been to ensure that the

SLCNG members want a better website than the one we

SLCNG continues to provide quality services to, and on

currently have. Detailed work with web designers should

behalf of all members and that it is capable of doing so

bear fruit ahead of the CIH conference at which we

in the future as the ASB agenda and its delivery

expect to showcase the new web site. The new website

structures continue to diversify.

will be more attractive, easier to use and provide compre-

Last year we carried out a review of the Group’s business

hensive access to the good practice information that

development in conjunction with members. In brief, the

members need.

key recommendations from the review were that we

Training

should:

We aim to finance these and other service improvements

Grow the membership

Develop the regional structure

organisations and to expand our training services,

Start a Policy Advisory Group

probably in partnership with one or more significant

Re-design our website

players in the field.

Work in partnership with other like-minded organisations

Finances

Develop our training for practitioners

Review our fee structure

At the Group’s AGM in March I was pleased to report that are making significant progress in implementing those recommendations.

Membership

through sponsorship arrangements with reputable

Financial prudence means that, for the first time in over ten years, we have increased our fees to Associates, rising from £500 to £600 for 2007/08. Fees for Company members remains at £1000.

Finally I am pleased to report that the Group’s standing remains as high as it has ever been. We continue to enjoy an excellent working relationship with Communities and

We have established a new category of membership

Local Government and the Respect Task Force. SLCNG

[Associate] which we believe will be attractive to a range

and its members continue to be key players in

of organisations, including Universities, CDRPs and

implementing the Government’s Respect Agenda and we

Solicitors, that are keen to be associated with the work of

have been pleased to be able to work with Housemark in

the Group. The annual fee for Associate membership is

developing the ASB Toolkit at the request of

£400.

Communities and Local Government.

Regional Structure

Clearly the SLCNG is continuing to make progress and

The first round of revived regional meetings has taken

remains THE organisation to join for those whose aim is

place and the dates of future meetings can be found

to tackle not tolerate anti-social

elsewhere in this edition.

behaviour.

Policy Advisory Group The Policy Advisory Group (PAG) has also been

Roger Griffiths

established with Affiliate members identified as Regional

Director

representatives. The PAG has already identified a number

SLCNG

Our views

Is there a link between ASBOs and mental health?

We welcome the Government’s commitment to Family Intervention Projects Another substantial element of the Respect Action Plan was put in place when it was announced in April that 53 Family Intervention Projects (FIP) had been established.

A survey undertaken on behalf of the BBC by the British Institute

A total of £15 million (£13 million of which is

for Brain Injured Children (BIBIC), claims that over 30% of under

from the Respect Task Force) has been

17 year old youths receiving ASBOs have a diagnosed mental

committed by Government over two years to

health disorder or an accepted learning difficulty.

kick start the projects.

Our managing director, Peter Jackson said,“We have requested

Additionally, £13 million is coming from DfES for practitioner training in parenting

more information about the full research study in order that we can see what lessons might be learned about any failings in the consultation process prior to ASBOs being sought.”

programmes.

The survey claims that there was a huge difference in Intending to “troubleshoot” around 1,500

recognition of the youths' learning difficulties between anti-

families across England in a year, the FIPs have

social behaviour officers and youth offending teams. BIBIC claim

been set up in a pragmatic way.

that “anti-social behaviour officers” reported 5% of their youth

Predominantly in urban areas, management is

cases had special needs or a learning difficulty. This compared

not just by local authorities but ALMOs, RSLs

with 38% reported by youth offending team officers who had

and even a consortium of Housing

seen conditions that included autism, ADHD, moderate learning

Associations centred on Southampton and

difficulties, and emerging personality disorders, depression and

managed by SHAARP.

self harming. They estimated that 6% had a mental age of less than 10 years old.

The majority of the projects provide an outreach service for families who are responsible for anti-social behaviour and who are at risk of eviction. Some of the projects also include a residential core unit.

Julie Spencer-Cingoz, chief executive of BIBIC says "Not understanding the underlying difficulties of so many of the young people has meant they have been given orders that they do not understand and cannot keep. Without specialist help they are being set up to fail, and a breach of an ASBO is a

Mandi Watson, Anti-Social Behaviour Co-

criminal offence.”

ordinator who oversees one of the FIPs for the

She added.“This is the wrong way to be treating vulnerable

Coventry Community Safety Partnership, said “

young people. Early intervention' is a more sensible approach to

the FIP will make a real difference to those

prevent major problems emerging. ASBOs are failing both the

families that we are trying to help . It will also

young offenders and the communities they are supposed to

offer some long lasting relief to the

protect.”

communities that have suffered as a result of

More details of the research summary and of the work of

bad behaviour over a long period of time.”

BIBIC can be found on: www.bibic.org.uk

News Housing associations given more powers to tackle crime and disorder

Policy Advisory Group up and running

change in the legal status for housing associations in terms of local

As part of our strategy to increase our

Crime and Disorder Partnerships (CDRPs) has been published by the

capacity to be more policy orientated

Housing Corporation. The change in legal status means that housing

and have a more proactive stance, the

associations now have an enhanced duty to work alongside CDRPs

first meeting of the Policy Advisory

to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in their communities.

ocial Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group

Group (PAG) took place in March.

A good practice note on partnership working that details the

To reinforce the important role of housing providers, the Home

This group comprises the Company

Office is implementing changes to the status of housing associ-

Members and will be expanded to

ations in relation to these local partnerships. Housing associations

include two representatives from each of the four regions once the regional meetings nominations have been considered.

The first meeting saw a lively discussion about the future with representatives from 11 organisations present.

Essentially identifying issues for the next year, the first PAG meeting thought that it was important to be able to influence the agendas of major partner organisations, such as Adult services, the Department for Education and Skills and the Police. It also saw the need to

will now be elevated from Tier 3 status - invited to participate in a CDRP, to Tier 2 status - Duty to Co-operate.

It is hoped that this change will lead to more consistent practices across the country. As co-operating bodies, associations will be placed at the heart of decision making and delivery and have the potential to strengthen information sharing, and to use their voices in deciding local priorities around crime and disorder.

The guidance has been produced to assist associations in working more closely with their local partners to tackle anti-social behaviour and promote Respect in their neighbourhoods. It contains information and tips on how to work more closely with local CDRPs as well as detailing the imminent change to housing associations' status in relation to CDRPs from summer 2007.

consider a range of issues that impacted

Housing Corporation Chief Executive, Jon Rouse said, "Engagement

on social landlords, such as RIPA,

between CDRPs and housing associations has previously been

committal proceedings, the role of the

variable - whilst some play a very active role in the local CDRP, some

Crown Prosecution Service and judicial

may not have even come into contact. This could be for reasons

inconsistency.

including associations feeling that there is no need for them to get

We need your support PAG will have a crucial role to play in advising on the way that we deliver our services into the future. So if you or your organisation have the chance to get

involved, or geographical issues - there may be a large number of housing associations operating in one area.

"By housing associations now having more ability to engage in CDRPs locally, it will mean real results for our neighbourhoods. More effective partnership working means reassurance for communities -

involved, either as company members or

more effective joint initiatives and better information sharing. With

regional representatives, please take the

local authorities, housing associations, the police and other agencies

opportunity. We need your support.

all working together, it should make a real impact on the safety of

For further information contact: Peter Jackson peter.jackson@slcng.co.uk Sharon Mackley sharon@slcng.co.uk Tel : 024 7623 1748

local people."

The good practice note is available on the Housing Corporation website:www.housingcorp.gov.uk

Member’s News skills and amateur boxing training sessions.

Respect launch event pulls the crowds Geoff Thompson MBE - former world karate champion and hundreds of Langley residents helped Bowlee Park Housing embrace the Government's Respect Agenda in a special fun packed day. The launch day was organised as a commitment to go broader, deeper and further in to restoring respect on Langley. Other agencies involved included Greater Manchester Fire Service, Greater Manchester Police and Community Safety, The Queen Elizabeth School pupils and Middleton Youth Inclusion Project.

Aspiring pop stars turned up to take part in a music competition and other wannabe actors took part in theatre workshops. As well as this, many were lured by the health and fitness options and had a go at football

Jeff Allen, Neighbourhood Manager, for Bowlee Park Housing said "The aim of the day was to encourage self discipline, self esteem, self confidence and respect throughout the community and we think we did that.

We know that young people often get involved in anti-social behaviour out of boredom so we hope by providing opportunities for them to try new activities, some of them will think twice before going down that road. It was encouraging to see so many young people having so much fun on the day and we hope some of them at least keep up the activities they tried."

Geoff Thompson MBE is the five times winner of the World Karate Champion and founder of the Youth Charter for Sport, Culture and Arts. He gave an inspirational speech on his journey from social disaffection and explained how sport had helped him overcome social and cultural adversity to achieve personal and team success as Like to know more then contact: well as Janine Goodison Communications Officer personal janine.goodison@riverside.org.uk excellence.

New funding for Nottingham

recently recognised it as one of the government’s

Funding of £205,000 for Nottingham’s drive to promote

to fund parenting programmes and to find a designated

respect was confirmed by Louise Casey, the Government

parenting expert to ensure we get to problems in the

Coordinator for Respect, when she visited the city.

home before they spill out into the community.”

Louise Casey visited the Meadows Estate where she met

Alan Gibbon, Chief Executive of Nottingham’s Crime and

local residents who have been involved in efforts to

Drugs Partnership said “Throughout the ‘weeks of action’

tackle anti-social behaviour and bring respect to their

programme we have worked with the national Respect

community. Ms Casey also met with housing officers,

team and we are delighted that Louise Casey is able to

members of the anti-social behaviour team and

spend time with us to see some of the developments, of

neighbourhood police officers at the Meadows Estate

which we are very proud.” He added “We are committed

one stop shop to discuss plans to regenerate the area.

to providing services which meet the needs of our

Louise Casey said “I am very pleased to confirm that

communities and to be accountable to them.”

Nottingham will have £205,000 of funding to, not only

The City of Nottingham was named in February as one of

keep up the action needed to tackle anti-social

forty Respect Areas across the country that have earned

behaviour but also get to its root causes and stop it

the right to be an exemplar of the Respect programme

happening in the first place.” She added,“ Nottingham

through its strong track record in tackling anti-social

has already made excellent progress which is why we

behaviour and the willingness and capacity to do more.

flagship Respect Areas. The new funding includes money

Members News

Am I bovvered?

Heroin Crackdown!

Noise, dogs, rubbish - having problems with

Wales & West Housing Association

anti-social behaviour can be bad enough, but

(WWHA) obtained a Possession Order for

trying to do something about it can be even

a property in Hillfort Close, Caerau, Cardiff,

harder.

after the resident had allowed her partner

So Knightstone Housing Association held an

to store Class A drugs in the bedrooms.

event - 'Am I Bovvered?' - for its residents in March at the Winter Gardens, Weston-superMare. For more than 60 tenants who came along to the event, it was an opportunity to say exactly what bothers them on their estate,

When Police raided the property in 2006 they found heroin stored in nappy bags hidden under the beds and drug related paraphernalia, including weighing scales.

The resident did nothing to discourage her visitors, who regularly carried out acts

what they would like to see done and what

of anti-social behaviour causing her

steps could be taken to stop it happening.

neighbours harassment, alarm and

Residents spoke to housing officers about

distress.

their concerns, and discussed the best way to

The eviction order was granted by Cardiff

deal with different problems. Not surprisingly, residents main concerns

County Court after it examined evidence

centred around noise, problem neighbours, children and vandalism. Ann

provided by WWHA staff and local Police

Tyler, a resident in Taunton said, "We've had a couple of problems with

Officers.

neighbours, but never really knew how to handle it. We really enjoyed today

The Association demonstrated to the

- it was all done in a really entertaining way, and I think we've got a better

Court the devastating effect that the anti-

idea of the things we can do to help make things better."

social behaviour had had upon other

Throughout the day, residents discovered different ways of dealing with

residents, who were too terrified to

anti-social behaviour - from legal routes to mediation and dreamschemes.

They also heard residents' stories of how they'd come together to sort out problems on their estate. Angela Gascoigne, the Director of Housing Services said,“This is the first time we've done anything quite like this. Neighbour nuisance can be a problem for everyone and we wanted to help residents tackle it in a fun and positive way.�

Like to know more then contact:

appear in court as witnesses.

Police Officers were present and explained in detail how the effects of drug dealing lead to increased crime rates and anti-social behaviour within communities.

Adrian Oldman

The resident's partner is currently serving

adrian.oldman@arcadiahousing.co.uk

a three year prison sentence for possession with intent to supply Heroin.

First demoted tenancy The Tunstall Local Centre has been successful in securing the first Demoted Tenancy in Stoke on Trent, at a property on the Stanfield Estate. The case involved a tenant being found guilty of possession and cultivation of cannabis at his home address.

This reduces the tenant’s security of tenure, acts as a final offer of support and a final warning that if their conduct does not alter, they will be evicted.

Demoted tenants lose a number of rights including Right to buy Right to take in lodgers Right to sub let Right to mutually exchange Right to improve Right to vote (transfer to a new landlord) Right to claim compensation for Like to know more then contact: Paul Robinson, Stoke on Trent CC improvements Tel 01782 233061

The resident had 14 days to find alternative accommodation for herself and her three young children.

Anne Hinchey, Chief Executive of WWHA, said "We take the issue of drug dealing very seriously and are determined to eradicate such acts from the communities in which we work. This is a good example of partnerships achieving positive results and enhancing the lives of residents and the wider community".

Like to know more then contact: Sharon Lee, Wales & West Ass. Director (Support Services) 0800 052 2526

Respect Awards

Respect Awards for Taking a Stand 2006/7

ambassadors for the Respect drive. It is not easy to stand up to those doing wrong the winners of these awards have been deservedly recognised for working with the police and local authorities to challenge the

The Respect Awards for Taking a Stand (RAFTAS) are all

minority of people who think it is acceptable to

about recognising the commitment, energy and

intimidate, harass and blight our communities.

courage of members of the public who have made real improvements in their communities, and inspiring those who want to do more to tackle anti-social behaviour.?

271 winners were chosen out of the 740 nominations received for the 2006/7 Respect Awards for Taking a Stand, each receiving £1,000 to be spent on improving their local community.

Over 100 winners were presented with their awards by the Home Secretary John Reid and the Government’s Co-ordinator for Respect, Louise Casey at a ceremony in London in March 2007.

Louise Casey said: “Our RAFTAS award winners are truly

“They have cleaned up graffiti, set up residents groups, given evidence in court and organised activities for young people. They have proved, yet again, that determined members of the public are the most effective weapon in tackling, not tolerating, anti-social behaviour. They have shown commitment, drive and courage and are an inspiration to us all.

“We all have the right to live our lives free from harassment, yet with those rights come responsibilities.

I urge people not to suffer in silence but to work alongside the police and local authorities to create a more respectful society.”

For the third year running residents of West Kent Housing Association have scooped a prestigious Respect Awards For Taking A Stand against anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhoods.

That’s why four residents from the Shenden Close area of Sevenoaks were delighted to be named among the winners nationwide, only two of which were from the Kent.

Ms Reeves, Ms Jennings and Mr and Mrs. Malins were nominated by the Sevenoaks Community Safety Partnership after taking positive action to stop a local man from causing continuous anti-social behaviour including threats, harassment and assault.

The group approached West Kent Housing Association in June 2006 about the problems that were blighting their neighbourhood.

Despite fears of reprisals, the group agreed to provide evidence and written statements to highlight the issues they were facing. Their input was invaluable.

Thanks to this evidence, and by working in partnership with the residents, Community Constable Intelligence Unit and Anti-Social Behaviour Officers of

West Kent Police, West Kent Housing Association was later able to take the offender, Mr Hickmott, to court to face the consequences of his actions.

“The welfare of our staff and residents is paramount”, says West Kent Housing Association’s Community Support Co-ordinator, Phil Dey. “We were delighted that our residents have received this reward and have been recognised for taking a stand. It shows that the community has the power to tackle individuals causing a problem and we hope this will inspire other people to come forward and work with us to take action against anti-social behaviour in the future.

Respect Awards

Three council residents from Sutton have just been recognised for their efforts in tackling anti-social behaviour and working to create safer communities at a special awards ceremony in London.

The winning residents each received a Respect Award For Taking A Stand (RAFTAS) for their commitment, energy and courage in standing up to vandals, thugs and nuisance neighbours.

Sutton Housing Partnership nominated three tenants from Sutton and Worcester Park areas, in recognition of the part they played in coming forward to provide evidence and put a stop to anti-social behaviour.

Sutton Housing Partnership’s anti-social behaviour team worked closely with neighbours who came forward to provide evidence and helped the partnership gain authority to evict the nuisance family.

In December 2006, a 36 year old tenant and her adult son were evicted from their home, after putting neighbours through two years of intimidation, noise,

vehicle nuisance and theft.

The actions of these residents and neighbours who helped have had a real impact on the whole community with residents telling us “We had a light covering of snow in our road recently and it bought young children into the street to play together, something that would not have happened before!

There is no more noise it is so quiet.”

Like to know more then contact:

Alexa Loukas Communications and Marketing Manager alexa.loukas@suttonhousingpartnership.org.uk

Mother-of-two Carol Williams, aged 40, stood up to physical and verbal abuse from neighbours in Garston, Liverpool, and won a court ruling allowing South Liverpool Housing to take possession of the perpetrators’ property.

South Liverpool Housing Community Safety Manager Sharon Marsh said:.“This is a tribute to the personal courage of Carol, but means much more than that.”

“Her advice and encouragement for people on the Witness Support Forum has given others the confidence to come forward in similar cases and it is therefore a victory for the whole community.”

Carol suffered from a catalogue of problems including everything from car and living room windows Like to know more then contact: being smashed, drunken and rowdy behaviour in the street and Sharon Marsh South Liverpool Housing even an attempt to run over her 0151 285 5632 teenage child.

Member’s News

First DIY possession order New Progress Housing Association is celebrating after obtaining its first Do-It-Yourself Possession Order. The Association's Tenancy Enforcement team successfully obtained a possession order against a nuisance tenant without employing the services of solicitors, saving the organisation and its tenants around £4,500 in legal costs.

The Leyland-based Association was forced to serve notice of seeking possession on a tenant, Catherine Hughes, after repeated incidents of excessive noise, threatening and abusive behaviour, and violent assaults made neighbours' lives a misery. The 29-year-old mother of one also operated an 'open house' and allowed intoxicated youths and adults to gather in and around her property and engage in anti-social behaviour.

Family from Hell evicted One of the most serious ASB cases undertaken on behalf of Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP) by Scott Greenwood of Coffin Mew & Clover Solicitors saw a successful conclusion after the eviction of what residents described as ‘the family from hell’ from Butts Farm Estate in Hanworth.

This estate is part of a major regeneration project and is the subject of a local lettings plan in the area to prevent ASB on the estate. RHP moved to evict the Eastwood family after three members were jailed for violence against people on the estate during 2006.

In March and April 2006, Mark Eastwood, his son Mark Jnr and his nephew Noah Eastwood assaulted and threatened to kill a number of residents on the Butts Farm Estate. The assaults and threats were unprovoked and one of the assaults involved Mark Jnr setting his pit bull terrier on a resident.

Scott says:“Because of the serious nature of their criminal actions, the police had advised RHP that they could not rely on this evidence for civil proceedings until after the criminal proceedings had been successfully concluded.“ “There were a number of residents who gave statements to the police and who agreed to provide

Working with evidence provided by local residents and the Community Beat Manager, the association was granted possession of her home.

Sgt Neil Sladen of Leyland Police said “We fully support this action taken by New Progress and will continue to work with them to reduce anti-social behaviour.”

Says Bernie Keenan, Managing Director, “We always offer support to any tenant who is at risk of losing their tenancy. However, when a tenant refuses our support and continues to threaten the quality of life for people in the surrounding area, we will enforce their tenancy conditions. We will take whatever steps are necessary to maintain peaceful communities and protect the rights of tenants to feel safe in their homes.”

Like to know more then contact:

Tim Frier tfrier@progressgroup.org.uk

evidence in the Crown court. As the Eastwoods had a track record for witness intimidation, the police were concerned that the witnesses would pull out if civil proceedings came first.”

“These concerns were very real, as the police had previously tried to bring an action against the Eastwood family - but because people were fearful of coming forward the police were unable to pursue the charges.

In this case the witnesses had to be permanently rehoused.”

Once the criminal proceedings had concluded Scott issued possession proceedings on behalf of RHP. Because of the successful outcome of the criminal convictions. the witnesses were arranged to attend the Court. The evidence was so compelling the judge dealt with the case in half a day and obtained an outright order, which was served by Bailiffs acting for RHP. They discovered the house and garden was in a shambolic state and estimate at least £25,000 worth of damage has been done to the terraced house.

“Anti-social behaviour is not acceptable in any form, but this was an extreme case that needed extreme measures. Without local people, aided by RHP and the police, taking a stand against very serious intimidation this case could not Like to know more then contact: have seen a successful Scott Greenwood Association conclusion,” concludes CMC 02380574410 Scott.

Member’s News

Victim of ASB? who you gonna call??

Harvest Housing Group put its customer’s needs at the very forefront when it embarked on its out of hour’s antisocial behaviour service. It already used the company Orbis to manage it’s out of hour’s emergency repairs calls and realised that this need stretched to deal with issues surrounding ASB. The Group takes a strong stance again anti-social behaviour. As a member of the Respect Standard, its 10 strong Community Safety Team, deal with issues surrounding anti-social behaviour, crime and domestic violence on a daily basis.

In November 2005 it set up it’s new out of hours antisocial behaviour service and immediately saw the benefits. Most calls receive support from Orbis’ operators who write up the incident in a digital diary that is posted immediately on-line for the Community Safety Team.

Where incidents are more serious, operators ask one of eight officers within the group’s Community Safety Team to contact the caller. Where the case is an emergency, calls are immediately transferred to the relevant officer.

The service is geared towards being easy to use and accessible. The telephone number is publicised in all antisocial behaviour literature and operators do the written work and provide callers with step-by-step guidance.

Audio recordings of telephone conversations can be used in court as evidence to convey the full force of the violence and Language Line and Type Talk make the service accessible to diverse communities.

The service is also unique in the way that you can text the number. For example if they are in a situation where they are in danger if they call, victims can instead text details to the service which are instantly recorded.

This also helps victims and witnesses to understand that they can remain anonymous – they simply need to tell us who, where and when?

The service also uses a coded contact system whereby customers with existing cases receive a special code to release information about their case history and needs to operators.

Ultimately, the service provides a seamless service 24 hours a day for both victims and witnesses of anti-social behaviour, alongside emergency repairs.

Twin Valley Homes signs up to Respect Ian Bell, Head of Housing, said "Signing up to the Respect Standard signals our commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour. We want to reassure our tenants that there will be no let up in our drive to create decent and safe places to live."

New Neighbourhood policing scheme A new neighbourhood policing scheme in west London is the first in the country to provide roundthe-clock police patrols in parts of its borough. Hammersmith & Fulham will spend £1.5m for the teams covering Fulham Broadway and Shepherds Bush town centres. More than 30 handpicked police officers will be on patrol from next month tackling anti-social behaviour.

It follows the murder of Kodjo Yenga, 16, who was stabbed to death in Hammersmith.

Michael Wallace from the Oswald Stoll Mansions Residents Association in Fulham said: "We get a lot of problems around here in the early hours of the morning. Some people are frightened to leave their homes because of the gangs and drunks around the place. Hopefully the 24/7 neighbourhood policing will stop the rowdiness."

Each town centre will have its own team made up of a dedicated and accountable police inspector managing five sergeants, 10 police constables and 15 police community support officers.

Book Review

Housing Managers are from Mars, social workers are from Venus .... So reads one of the 15 chapter headings from this interesting

Faculty of Health & Social Care

new book “Supporting safer communities: Housing crime and neighbourhoods”. Edited by Alan Dearling, Tim Newburn and

INVOLVED IN MANAGING ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR? ANGLIA RUSKIN UNIVERSITY OFFERS THREE RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS: • UNDERGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

Peter Somerville, contributors are predominantly lecturers and researchers in housing, criminal justice and social policy.

“Not another academic thesis!” I hear you cry. While it’s true that dealing with anti-social behaviour has become a growth industry in the world of academia, this book was commissioned by CIH and so retains its grounding in housing policy and practice.

The book addresses the four themes of disorder and regeneration

policing crime and disorder

service provider approaches to safer communities

social inclusion and community safety.

In setting the scene, the editors emphasise the difficulties caused

• POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

when professional cultures and practices get in the way of

• MASTERS IN NEIGHBOURHOOD MANAGEMENT AND ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

tackling anti-social behaviour, the book contains examples of

Three ground-breaking courses, entirely dedicated to the exploration of anti-social behaviour issues with additional skills in neighbourhood management available in the MA. Assessment is based on reflection of practical experiences in the workplace (no traditional examinations).

Specialist, individual tutorial support is available to prepare you for your assessments. Entry at different levels for non graduates and graduates with the opportunity of continuing to a masters degree in anti-social behaviour and neighbourhood management.

effective joint working, and this is an issue that runs through the book. As well as giving an overview of the historical context of good practice, comments on the impact of the Respect Agenda and makes reference to the work of SLCNG. All in all a worthwhile addition to your team’s library.

For further reading, the book complements the volume published in July 2006 by The Policy Press “Housing, urban governance and anti-social behaviour” edited by John Flint - one of our colleagues from Sheffield Hallam University.

“Supporting safer communities: Housing crime and neighbourhoods” CIH Housing Policy and Practice Series – published November 2006 in collaboration with the Housing Studies Association. Available for £25 from www.cih.org/publications or by calling 02476 851700

PROVIDED BY ANGLIA RUSKIN UNIVERSITY IN COLLABORATION WITH THE GOVERNMENT OFFICE FOR THE EAST OF ENGLAND.

This is one of an occasional series of book reviews. If you would like to contribute a review of an anti-social behaviour related

www.anglia.ac.uk/fhsc

publication, please let us know at Nuisance News.

Peter Jackson

www.anglia.ac.uk

peter.jackson@slcng.co.uk

Member’s News

Injunction against a takeaway Aspire Housing has worked in partnership with local residents, the Police and Environmental Health Officers to secure an injunction order against the leaseholder of one of its commercial properties – a takeaway in Silverdale, Staffordshire.

Court when the Injunction was granted.

In addition to combating the noise nuisance, the Injunction covers music from visitors’ cars as well as antisocial behaviour by customers.

The premises were previously licensed to open until 12.30am Sunday to Thursday and 1.00am on Friday and Saturday.

Kathryn Harvey, Aspire’s Solicitor explains “We are keen to publicise this case as it clearly demonstrates that we will not tolerate anti social behaviour in any form. With evidence provided by local residents, and by working in partnership with the Police and Environmental Health, we are able to work quickly to stop nuisance that impacts on the lives of local residents.”

Local residents contacted Aspire to complain about noise nuisance by the proprietor who played loud music and an extractor fan that was louder than good practice allows.

She added,“Since the Injunction was granted we are delighted to report that the leaseholder appears to be abiding by the order, and we have not received any further complaints from local residents.”

Aspire contacted other residents to establish the scale of the problem, as well as the Police and Environmental Health Officers. A case was prepared and presented in

Resident’s son sent to prison Three Valleys Housing, which is based in Sandiacre, has had a resident’s son sent to prison for breach of an injunction. The injunction was obtained in August 2006 due to Mr Moores behaviour towards staff and the police. Mr Moore broke the terms of the injunction by verbally abusing carelink staff and the Police who attended an incident. He was subsequently jailed for 21 days for breach of the injunction order. Nick Lees, Anti-Social Behaviour Officer said “At no time will we allow any of our staff or our fellow partnership staff be abused or physically attacked . This sentence sends out a clear message that any such incidents will be put before the courts and the appropriate action taken.”

Like to know more then contact:

Nick Lees Tel : 0115 968 4054

Like to know more then contact:

Kate Boundy , Marketing and Communications Manager 01782 854863

Industry First - Section 222 injunction to close Night Club Hackney homes has been granted injunctions against the Passing Clouds Night Time venue The injunctions were granted to Hackney Homes due to the noise and nuisance being caused to our residents by events being held at the above premises, and the fact that the premises were unfit to be used for these purpose's, without licences being granted to sell alcohol, or to perform Music.

So serious was the danger to persons visiting the venue due to lack of facilities, fire precautions equipment, inadequate fire protection, inadequate Fire Exit signs, unsafe facilities, and no emergency lighting therein.

All the statutory agencies came together to act as one team, led by Brian Doran manager of the Mouchel Parkman Anti-Social Behaviour Team.

It is believed that this is the first time that a local government section 222 has been used in the United Kingdom to stop nuisance emanating from a night time entertainment venue.

The terms of the injunction have made it uneconomical for the night club to continue to open.

This was achieved by the working together of local residents, Hackney Homes, the Police, London Fire Like to know more then contact: Brigade, Environmental Health, and Brian Doran, Neighbourhood the London Borough of Hackney legal Relations Manager 020-8356-5951 services.

Member’s News

Closure order on drug den Domestic abuse court opens Portsmouth’s first ever specialist domestic abuse court (SDAC) was launched by Solicitor General Mike O’Brien in March.

The SDAC is more than just a court. It is a community response to domestic abuse and will have a new service to support those witnesses who are attending court.

Between April 2006 and January 2007, there were 3,301 reported domestic abuse incidents in Portsmouth. More than 55% of domestic violence cases reported nationally are taken to court. Of these, nearly 70% result in conviction.

Portsmouth’s new court hopes to improve that conviction rate.

Tonia Earey, Preventing Youth Offending Project Team Manager, was seconded to co-ordinate the court set-up since last September. She said “This is a massive step forward for people experiencing domestic abuse being able to fast-track justice as well as offer support during the criminal justice process and beyond.”

ASBO for Hounslow Tenant A Hounslow tenant has been made the subject of a two years and eight months anti-social behaviour order.

He risks arrest and could be jailed if he breaches this order and must not act in any anti-social way anywhere in England or Wales.

Details of the the tenant’s actions and the consequences are given in a booklet produced by Hounslow Homes.

Like to know more then contact:

The ASB team at Hounslow Homes on 0800 085 6575

Poplar HARCA and the Police Safer Neighbourhood Team were granted a Drugs Closure Order in Tower Hamlets. This property was a major concern for residents because of the drug dealing, noise nuisance and intimidation by visitors to the flat.

Foluke Ajaye, Poplar HARCA tenancy enforcement officer, said,“This is a victory for the community who reported the problems they were experiencing to us. Their information has been vital to help us and the police take this case forward. This closure notice sends a clear message that we will not tolerate crime or anti-social behaviour on our estates. We will not hesitate to take legal action to make Poplar a safer place to live”.

Three more ASBO’s Two young people from the Burdett estate in Tower Hamlets and one other youth from Forest Gate area have been issued with anti-social behaviour orders. The youths were involved in various acts of anti social behaviour, which included the carrying of offensive weapons.

Jamie Lock, Senior Tenancy Enforcement Officer, said;“These three individuals were responsible for a considerable amount of anti social behaviour.

These latest ASBO’s and the four that were granted in November 2006 highlight the good work that has been done by Poplar HARCA, local Police Safer Neighbourhood Team but most of all the residents that have come forward to report these incidents”.

Like to know more then contact:

Kathryn Bydawell 020 7510 0535

Member’s News

Village Victory Over ASBO Bullies The tiny village of Mattersey Thorpe decided they'd had enough of two families causing them misery and their action has led to a Respect Award for Taking a Stand.

Fed up with being physically assaulted, verbally abused and their houses and cars damaged, tenants from Nottingham Community Housing Association and A1 Housing asked their landlords to send in some support. Their Anti-Social Behaviour teams joined up with Bassetlaw District Council to obtain evidence using CCTV and sound equipment, and armed with this they went to the local police.

Despite threats from the culprits, eight residents stayed strong and with heavy police protection and support from the ASB teams, their evidence was used at a two-day hearing at Worksop County Court in December 2006.

As a result an immediate Possession Order was given against the NCHA family and Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions were given against the father and son excluding them from the village. The father of the A1 Housing family accepted a court undertaking for 12 months and his son received a 12-month injunction. They also received a suspended possession order for a period of 12 months.

Possession of property at first time of asking Waterloo Housing Association has obtained the possession of a property at the first time of asking against the defendant who had been causing problems in the area where she resided for some time.

However, neighbours were too scared of repercussions to come forward and give evidence. Complaints included visitors to the property arriving at all hours of the night and day, mopeds begin driven up and down the road and a number of drug raids were carried out by the Police.

One neighbour said that she had to prevent her children playing with the defendant’s children as they continually talked about selling drugs.

Given the serious nature of the allegations,

With the village restored to calm, it was decided that their action deserved some reward and they were put forward for the Respect Awards. Run in partnership with Crime Concern and the Co-op, these awards recognise individuals and groups who have transformed their communities by tackling problems such as anti-social behaviour.

the Judge had no hesitation in making an

Mattersey Thorpe has now won £1,000 from the Taking a Stand awards to ensure the village remains a happy place to live. At a ceremony in Birmingham in April tenant Penny Jackson accepted the Award on behalf of the villagers who stood together.

landlords in the fights against anti social

Important changes to Section 26 and 27 Amendments to anti-social behaviour injunctions (ASBIs) have been introduced by Sections 26, 27 and Schedule 10 of the Police and Justice Act 2006 which came into force on 6 April 2007.

Anti-social behaviour injunctions enable social landlords to apply for injunctions to prohibit anti-social behaviour that affect the

Outright Possession Order in 14 days.

Dot Pawlowski of Cobbetts LLP said “This case highlights that, if a situation is serious enough, the Courts will support social behaviour and will not hesitate in making Possession Orders, even at the first time of asking”.

management of their housing stock.

Section 27 and Schedule 10

In particular, the section 26

strengthen the powers available

amendment means that members

in relation to injunctions that are

of the community for whom an

available to local authorities

ASBI is designed to protect, need

under section 222 (Local

not always be named on the face of

Government Act 1972).

the order.

The Department for Communities

Section 26 is intended to confirm

and Local Government has issued a

that injunctions should be

letter to practitioners drawing

available to protect the wider

attention to these changes and

community including those who

providing more information for

do not wish to be identified.

legal teams and advisors.

Member’s News

Your Choice Conferences The Your Choice conferences have been successfully delivered to schools across Merseyside for the past 3 years. From September 2006 to April 2007 it has been delivered to 3550 year 6 pupils from 72 primary schools. The conferences support and meet the PHSE schools citizenship criteria and are now linked with and support the governments Respect Agenda.

The main objective is to make young people aware that they alone are responsible for their choice of behaviour and the possible consequences of those choices. This idea that has grown into the major theme and conference title Your Choice.

The event is co-ordinated by Merseytravel and Liverpool Anti-Social Behaviour Unit and is supported by many local organisations. The conferences are delivered in specialised City Learning Centres which have the capacity for 150 children and have excellent theatre space.

The one day interactive project utilises theatre, drama, rap and IT within its workshops to convey a powerful message to pupils regarding what can happen when engaging in acts of anti-social behaviour. The event can be tailored to address specific issues which are affecting communities or schools such as criminal damage, gang culture, dangerous dogs, etc.

Bill Morris, Head of Liverpool's Anti-Social Behaviour Unit said: "The aim of this conference is to bring home to young people what can actually constitute anti-social behaviour. This type of behaviour can take many forms and the effect that this behaviour can have, not only on the community in which they live, but also the environment. The message aims to reinforce to pupils that acts of anti-social behaviour can affect the quality of life not only for themselves but for their families as well. " Like to know more then contact:

Bill Morris 0151 225 4892 bill.morris@liverpool.gov.uk1

Star quality in tackling ASB A Cheshire housing provider, that in 2005 had a no-star rating and “uncertain prospects for improvement”, has now been rated by the Audit Commission as being one of the North West’s best social landlords.

The Commission highlighted Chester & District Housing Trust’s tackling of anti-social behaviour through its Community Contracts initiative has been as key to its achieving a “2 star, excellent” rating. The Trust now stands as one of only eight registered social landlords in the country to have been recognised as offering an ‘excellent’ service.

The Community Contracts initiative is an innovative approach to neighbourhood management and community empowerment that aims to tackle occurrences of anti-social behaviour such as vandalism, youth nuisance and speeding traffic.

The scheme has been introduced following the Trust’s largest ever community consultation exercise, where each of its 6,500 residents were consulted on contracts detailing improvements that will be made to their homes and neighbourhoods, and asked to identify specific local concerns that could be tackled through locally controlled neighbourhood budgets.

The Audit Commission said:“Community Contracts are an innovative and effective way to ensure Trust activities reflect customer priorities. Tenants we met at a focus group spoke highly of the way in which the contracts had given tenants a real say on service priorities and the way in which they were kept up to date with developments.”

John Denny, Chief Executive at the Trust says:“With our residents’ help, the new Community Contracts scheme has been more of a success than we thought possible. We have had lots of extremely useful feedback about what measures residents would like to see taken in order to improve the safety and quality of their neighbourhoods, and many of those are being tackled through local Community Intervention Budgets.

Skip days, giving residents the chance to dispose of unwanted items free of charge have also been great success in clearing up Trust neighbourhoods and tackling fly-tipping, whilst engendering a real community atmosphere in the process.

Like to know more then contact:

Alexandra Bogin 0151 236 2323 alex@octobercomms.co.uk

Member’s News

First Community House For Basingstoke Kingfisher Housing Association has opened Basingstoke’s first Community House.

A community house is a house in the community for the community and as such is cited as good practice in the tackling of antisocial behaviour. The aim of the Kingfisher Community House is to be used as a base where various agencies can be present in the area.

The three bedroom empty house will allow the Police, the Community Wardens and Kingfisher staff to have an office from where they can work with the local community. Also the lounge and kitchen area can be used for local resident groups to meet for coffee mornings and other events. It is envisaged that in the future, the Kingfisher Community House could also be used as a ‘drop-in’ health centre.

Brandishing a firearm on the internet

Situated in the heart of a South Ham estate close to shops and on a public thoroughfare, the Community House is in an ideal location to help tackle anti-social behaviour. Due to the shopping facilities and layout of this area, incidents of criminal activity are higher than they would be in a non-commercial area as local youths congregate here. Dedicated Police and Community Warden presence should reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area. The Kingfisher Community House will enable various agencies to have a base in the area where they can be on hand and approachable to residents.

Kingfisher HA will be responsible for its rent, repairs and maintenance, allowing it to be used free of charge by many agencies as a vital community resource.

Carol Williams, Kingfisher’s Managing Director said ,“We are very proud to be working with Basingstoke and Deane, the Police, Community Wardens and other agencies on the Community House Project, the first of its kind for Basingstoke. We take dealing with anti-social behaviour extremely seriously and this project should have a very positive Like to know more then contact: impact on the area Mel Purves, Tenancy Enforcement around Burnaby Officer 01256 302406 Close.”

regular parties and anti-social

The summons served by the Police

behaviour.

was thrown on the floor by their

A complaint was received after the

mother and then posted back to the

house was fired at by masked

Police station. As a result they did

gunmen.

not attend the hearing and interim

The family would not engage with

orders were granted. They also failed to turn up for two subsequent

Two brothers, aged 12 and 13 from

Arena but initial warnings reduced

Halewood, Merseyside have received

the problems. It became apparent

two year ASBO’s. They also received

that the boys were causing problems

6 month ISO’s and their mother was

elsewhere in Halewood.

issued with a Parenting Order.

Partner agencies worked closely

The orders banned them from

together to address this and

entering an estate where they had

identified two witnesses willing to

been instrumental in terrorising

go to court. One witness had been

residents. Further clauses that were

fired at with a pellet gun by the

granted prohibited throwing stones,

younger brother. The witnesses

driving off road motorbikes,

received a support package at the

threatening people and generally

request of Arena from their landlord

causing nuisance.

handgun. Images from the site were

KHT, which included a camera instal-

printed off and exhibited with the

The mother’s property was a site for

lation.

evidence.

hearing.

Arenas ASB Team served a NSP and started Possession proceedings.

A resident reported that the younger brother was on an internet site brandishing a gun. An inspection of the site showed it to be a rifle style paint gun.

The video clip also contained footage of dangerous dogs, off roads bikes, samurai swords and even a

Member’s News

Helping families to get back on track Communities with anti-social behaviour problems are set to benefit from a new service to help families change their behaviour. Servite Houses has been funded by The Housing Corporation to set up a Family Support Project.

It will be working in partnership with Thames, Threshold and Wandle Housing Associations, covering an area of more than 4,000 homes in Wandsworth and Lambeth.

Mary Langston, the family intervention project leader, said “We want to help families engaging in ASB to change their behaviour and live respectfully in the communities they’ve disrupted. The reasons behind ASB are often complex and varied, but we think that with a combination of support, sanctions and enforcement we can make dramatic differences.”

The project began in April with families who live in Servite homes. Each family takes part in the project for six months. It is hoped to support a further six families from September and a further six from April 2008.

The project will target families who are at risk of legal action regarding their home as a result of persistent anti-social behaviour and will focus on those with one or more children under 18.

By using contracts to set out standards of behaviour, support plans and weekly reviews with the families, it is hoped to address underlying issues affecting their behaviour and prevent any future nuisance behaviour.

At the end of the six months it is hoped to have changed the families’ perceptions of themselves and also their behaviour. This, in turn, will free up the time and resources of public services such as the police and social services who may have been involved with the family before the project.

Like to know more then contact:

Ali Oxborrow 020 8307 7996 AlisonO@servitehouses.org.uk

Anti-social behaviour beacon status award Last month Portsmouth CC was awarded a prestigious “beacon status” award for its excellent, hard-working anti-social behaviour unit. It is one of four local authorities handed the Preventing and Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour beacon status.

The beacon status assessment included a rigorous series of inspections, senior management presentations, tours of the city and its services and visits from Home Office and Improvement and Development Agency officials.

A major part of the short-listing process saw local residents give honest opinions, to assessors, about the anti-social behaviour unit’s achievements and areas they needed to work on.

Roy Goulding, anti-social behaviour unit manager, said:“We are all extremely proud about this news. To be nationally recognised in this way, to be one of just four local authorities in the country given an award for tackling anti-social behaviour, just confirms our team’s commitment to partnership work and to making Portsmouth a safer city for all our residents.”

The anti-social behaviour unit achieved beacon status because of its:

close and highly professional working relationship with Hampshire Constabulary; engaging the community in local issues such as crack house closures; delivery of community training programmes for community wardens across the South East; witness and victim support services; creation of Safer Neighbourhood Teams with police, police community support officers and community wardens working together with residents; sharing information amongst services, especially those for young people such as the Preventing Young Offenders Project (PYOP); clear vision and leadership of all partners in tackling anti-social behaviour;

Pictured are Rachel Dalby (Head of Community Safety) and Roy Goulding with the Beacon Status award.

Member’s News

ASB Injunction breached A Washington youth has been sentenced to 14 days detention for breaching his Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction.

Mark Phelps, 19 of Usworth, Washington was sentenced to seven days detention after being arrested in an area he is excluded from in the

Community Safety Accreditation

early hours of Saturday morning.

A seven day suspended sentence for a previous breach of the injunction was also enforced.

Community Safety Accreditation has been awarded by Lancashire Police to

Scott Richardson, Neighbourhood

Twin Valley Homes and the Anti-Social Behaviour Team.

Nuisance Enforcement Officer for

The accreditation scheme strengthens the links between the Police and Twin

Sunderland Housing Group said:

Valley Homes and grants recognised staff with limited powers to help them

“Phelps was identified by SHG and

in their work within the local community.

Northumbria Police as being part of

Six staff gained accreditation after a strict selection and can be identified by

a group of youths involved in anti

their Twin Valley Homes jackets bearing the special ‘Community Safety

social behaviour in the Concord

Scheme Accredited’ badge.

area of Washington. SHG applied for and obtained the injunction in August last year which prevents him from entering a large part of

They will also carry an identification card, which confirms what powers they have to:

access and share information and intelligence with Lancashire Constabulary.

Concord between the hours of 6pm and 6am.”

Scott added that “While we regret

Community Safety Accreditation allows the Chief Constable to accredit non-

that this youth has been detained it

police employees, working in a community safety role, with a limited range of

should serve as a warning to those

police powers. It benefits both the organisation and the police by enabling

involved that Washington Housing

information sharing between the two groups enhancing the service to the

Company will use all the powers

community.

available to tackle anti social

Assistant Chief Constable Michael Cunningham who awarded the accredi-

behaviour.”

tation said: "It is a pleasure to award these accreditations. I feel they serve to

request name and address for a range of reasons

Like to know more then contact:

extend the policing family adding another

Sarah Todd, PR Manager

string to our bow, which we use to better

sarah.todd@sunderlandhousing.co.uk

serve and protect the community.

Like to know more then contact:

Martin Jackson Tel : 01254 269099

Member’s News

Respect and Responsibility Project Ever had the feeling that you’re just reacting to anti-social behaviour instead of trying to prevent it. So did Warren Stone and Tracy Beech, Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinators for Redditch Borough Council. So in November 2005 they decided they would try to do something about it and brain stormed possible solutions and the front runner was … schools.

used, cases that Warren and Tracy have dealt with are

They put together the project which was aimed at

discussed, from ABC’s to eviction, of course no names are

children aged between 7 and 11. This age was chosen as

mentioned.

Warren and Tracy considered that children would be

The package for years 3 and 4 is

more receptive and would spread the word to other

over 5 individual sessions of 45

family members.

minutes and includes subjects

After a pilot of a single session, it was apparent that this

such as ‘playing outside’. These

was insufficient time to get the message across. As a

sessions are presented with a

result, they developed a two session package for years 5

softer approach and no mention is made of the words

to 7 and a five session package for years 3 and 4.

‘anti-social behaviour,’ just positive behaviours for the

The two session package ‘I enjoyed this project consists of two 55 minute and would like to do sessions presented to the it in an assembly’ children in their own class during Pupil (Year 6) their PHSE lessons. These sessions are fun but still hard hitting. For extra emphasis on the sanctions that can be

Crack House closures Hampshire Police has closed down two homes in Aldershot which were notorious for drug dealing.

Hyde Housing Association and Pavilion Housing Association which own the properties worked alongside the police through the organisation SHAARP which was set up to deal with anti-social behaviour in Hampshire.

The property closures follow a number of high profile drugs raids by police across Hampshire, Surrey and

‘I enjoyed this project and would like to do it in an assembly’ Pupil (Year 6)

community.

The feedback from pupils and teachers has been very positive and has shown that the information has been aimed at the correct level.

Warren or Tracy are now fully booked until June 2008.!!!

Like to know more then contact:

Warren or Tracy 01527 534194 asbschools@redditchbc.gov.uk.

London earlier this month. At Aldershot County Court evidence was presented by police on drug dealing and other anti-social behaviour at the properties.

SHAARP project manager Thalia Ali said “The anti-social behaviour at the property on the High Street included visitors urinating in communal areas, excessive noise and rubbish. SHAARP has worked in partnership with the police on these year-long cases and we are delighted that Like to know more then contact: there is now a positive resolution Emma Tedman for all concerned.”

communications@hyde-housing.co.uk

Member’s News

Family intervention at work Nottingham Family Intervention Project and Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) have teamed together to help one of their families.

The mother, Susan, suffers depression and following a break up with her husband let matters get out of hand.

She fell behind with the rent, the house began to fall into disrepair and her five children were left to their own devices.

Neighbours complained to the Police who notified Nottingham Community Housing Association. Despite frequent phone calls, letters and personal visits, no-one could gain entry to the house.

Following a suspected burglary, the Police gained access to find bare walls and floors and the house not fit to live in. Holes in the plaster, bare wiring, ceilings caving in, no cooking facilities and water running down the staircase meant the property was uninhabitable.

NCHA’s Senior Anti-Social Behaviour Officer Geoff Pittham contacted the Family Intervention Project to try and work out a way for the family to move on, and hopefully turn themselves around.

The family signed up to an agreement which gave them

Action on anti-social behaviour Mid Devon District Council’s housing service has chalked up two recent successes in dealing with antisocial behaviour that was affecting Council tenants.

another NCHA house in a different part of the city.

For the first time in many years they have carpet on the floor and something to wash their clothes in.

In return, they have to agree to engage with support on education, parenting and family skills and entry into employment.

To help them keep these good intentions will be a team of support workers.

NCHA Senior Anti-Social Behaviour Officer Geoff Pittham said, "This is Last Chance Saloon time for this family. They've lost the way but we think that with support we can turn them round. But make no mistake the only people who can help the family are themselves.

It's early days yet, but after just a week after they've moved, the whole family look better and they are excited about growing their own vegetables in their new garden.

The boys are keen to start courses in plumbing and electrical engineering.” that if he is found guilty of any further breaches of his tenancy within the next 12 months, they will commence possession proceedings against him.

Injunction with a Power of Arrest In a separate case, the council were successful in obtaining a two-year Injunction with a Power of Arrest attached to it against a woman.

They are both good examples that show that the council take their responsibility to tenants seriously, and will not hesitate to take any necessary action against people causing problems through anti-social behaviour.

The terms of the Injunction include that the woman

Demotion of tenancy

concerned cannot come within a certain prescribed

Following the conviction on drug offences of a Council tenant in Tiverton, the Council was granted its first ever ‘Demotion of Tenancy’ in the County Court in Exeter in April 2007.

distance of her father’s home, that she cannot cause

This means that the tenant concerned has his previous rights of secure tenancy withdrawn for one year, and

use violence

The woman was causing repeated distress to residents when she visited her father – a council tenant – in The Newcombes area of Crediton.

any harassment, alarm or distress to local residents and that she cannot abuse, threaten or towards them.

Like to know more then contact:

Marian Axtell, Tenancy Officer (ASB Team) htenancy@middevon.gov.uk

Members New’s

£120,000 to local community in just one year

the purchase of play equipment at Boreham Recreation Ground

a grant for the Women’s Aid Resource Centre in Chelmsford.

Young offenders Chelmer Housing Partnership’s (CHP) Charitable Trust

An excellent demonstration of how the funding works

was set up in 2003 by gift aid.

in practice is provided by the Chance 2 Change project.

During 2006 it gave almost £120,000 to Essex based

This is an 8 week programme for young offenders in

projects and charities that support the community and

Chelmsford aimed at reducing re offending and anti-

help to improve quality of life for local residents.

social behaviour by promoting positive change.

The total was split between 19 different projects, all of

Said David Cotterill, New Business Director:“The

which were evaluated on strict criteria before the grants

Chelmer Housing Partnership’s Charitable Trust has

were awarded.

been able to make a significant impact on the lives of

The projects are diverse and include funding of

our tenants and other residents in Essex. Many of these

the Respect programme at Essex Boys’ Clubs

projects were struggling for funding and it has been very rewarding to play a small part in helping them

the support of Chelmsford Environment Partnership

achieve their

Like to know more then contact:

to help safeguard wildlife and encourage community

objectives.”

Victoria Norton: 01245 613111 victoria.norton@chelmerhp.org.uk

allotments

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Crime and Nuisance

Group Welcome to the Birmin April 2007 conference gham NEC edition of Nuisa News. nce This is the first editio n of our look newsl new etter and includes of the items some that will be in our edition for the CIH Annua Conference l and Exhib ition in at Harro June gate.

A survey undertaken If your organisation on behal BBC by would like the British f of the share its difficulties, to Institute news with Injured for Brain us, then and emerg Children want to we (BIBIC), hear from ing perso disorders, over 30% claims that nality you. depression of under On the and self harming.

17 year back page youths old They estim receiving are detail how to ated that ASBOs s of a menta contact diagnosed have a 6% had l age of us and mental less than information the type old. health 10 years of an accep we are disorder ted learni looking or for. ng difficu Julie Spenc lty.

Our mana er-Cingoz, ging direct chief execu of BIBIC or, Peter said,“We says "Not Jackson tive have reque understand This issue sted under inform more includes lying difficu ing the ation about articles the follow lties of the full from the young study in so many ing memb research order that of people ers:Bowlee has mean we can lessons have been Park Housi see what t they might be given orders ng Hackney learned failings not under that they Homes about any in the consu stand and do Hyde HA ltation cannot prior to Without process keep.

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She Drug Pship Redditch learning added the .“This is difficulties BC anti-social the wrong between be treatin Stoke on behaviour way to g vulne Trent CC officers youth offend rable young and Sunderland Early interv ing teams people. ention' Housing that “anti-s . BIBIC claim is a more Group Three Valley approach ocial behav sensible to preve Housing iour office reported nt major Twin Valley emerging.

5% of their rs” problems Homes ASBOs youth cases special are failing Wales & needs or young had West HA both the a learni offenders This comp ng difficu and the West Kent ared with lty. communitie HA 38% repor youth offend s they are ted by protec supposed ing team t.” to had seen officers who conditions More detai that includ autism, ADHD, ed ls of the moderate research summary learning and of the work can be of BIBIC found on: www. bibic.org.u k

Is their a link betwee n ASBOs and mental health?

This issu e

Nuisance News As you can see we have given Nuisance News a new brighter look with colour used throughout. This is what our members requested when we consulted with them.

Your opinion matters to us. What do you think of the new look and are there any other regular features that you would like to see included?

Please email or write to us. sharon@slcng.org.uk SLCNG, c/o Whitefriars Housing Group Ltd, Givens House, Thomas Street, Coventry CV1 3HL

The information, opinions and conclusions expressed in Nuisance News are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent those of the Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group Ltd

Our Sponsor Peter Whitehead writes on :-

Tenancy Demotion Tenancy Demotion has, it appears, turned out to be a bit of a white elephant since its introduction by the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.

Few Applications have been made and there is little or no evidence as to the effectiveness or otherwise of this new “tool in the tool kit”. The suggestion that taking away someone’s “Tenancy for Life” and replacing it (albeit temporarily) with a Starter Tenancy would strike fear into the hearts of those to whom it would be applied was perhaps somewhat fanciful to begin with and its lack of impact may have something to do with this misconception.

No general consensus In discussions with Housing Professionals there seems to be no general consensus on where Demotion sits in the range of responses to Anti-Social Behaviour. There also appears to be a similar lack of agreement on what to do with the Demotion when we have it.

If a Judge gives an Absolute Order for Possession at least we know what to do with that – execute it.

A Demotion Order is a little more confusing, it is a bit like getting the extra button on the remote which we are told we need, but we are not sure exactly what it does.

Obvious shortcoming The first concern I would mention is that the Demotion criteria are strictly limited to Anti-Social Behaviour (someone engaging in conduct capable of causing nuisance or annoyance or the use of Property for an unlawful purpose). The obvious shortcoming is that ASB is often only one of the issues that need to be addressed when considering Court action – arrears, access issues etc cannot be addressed in demotion proceedings.

A further gap appears to arise in relation to the terms of the Demoted Tenancy. If the Landlord wants any terms to be comprised in the Demoted Tenancy, a Statement of Terms has to be served. Court Rules suggest that this should be served simultaneously with the Notice of Intended Demotion proceedings.

Judicious tweaking?

One may have thought that this would be just the opportunity for a judicious bit of tweaking and

tightening of the terms; perhaps adding a bit here about dogs or strengthening the section in relation to responsibility for the garden. No such luck however, because if one looks carefully at the Legislation it is quite clear that the Landlord cannot add to or change the terms of the Agreement, but can only take terms out.

We could of course take a red pen to our existing Tenancy Agreement and strike out some of the extra contractual rights we may have given. However, the question that needs to be asked is whether any Tenant who is due for Demotion is really going to be that concerned about losing some of the contractual “frills”…...

In conclusion, I would suggest that demotion only has any coherence if it is regarded as early intervention tool and it is applied for in conjunction with other interventions whether these be protective, (ASBIs, ABC, etc), or support interventions.

It seems to me that Demotion is a beginning and not an end and will almost certainly require further investment by the Landlord in terms of time, energy and money.

Your suggestions Having raised a number of questions about Demotion then it seems to me that I ought to get working on the answers and in that regard, any suggestions from others will be gratefully received.

Space here is short, however the complete version of this article can be seen and downloaded from the SLCNG website: www.slcng.org.uk Any comments and opinions on demotion can be forwarded to slcng@whiteheadsols.co.uk.

Whiteheads Solicitors was established in 1992 by Peter Whitehead as one of the first legal practices in the UK to specialise solely in Social Housing law. Prior to founding the firm, Peter, who is currently the firm's Principal, was a partner at one of Manchester's top generalist law firms before he decided to dedicate his time to growing a business that specialised in housing law.

in your diary with CIH Events 19th to 21st June 2007 Chartered Institute of Housing Conference & Exhibition Harrogate For further information contact 024 7657 1111 or log onto www.cih-housing.co.uk

11th to 12th October 2007 Housing Market Renewal Conference Hilton Hotel, Sheffield

9th to 10th August 2007 Sheltered Housing Conference Chesford Grange, Kenilworth

24th October 2007 South East Branch Sustainability & Green Design Conference Jurys Inn, Milton Keynes

19th September 2007 Rural Housing Conference & Exhibition 10th to 12th October 2007 CIH Annual Conference in the North East Region Marriott Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne

17th October 2007 Tenancy Agreements Conference London

13th to 15th November 2007 CIH Annual Conference in the Eastern Region The Cambridge Belfry Hotel, Cambourne 21st to 22nd November 2007 Lettings & Homelessness Conference and Exhibition Crowne Plaza Hotel, Nottingham

Open to all, closed to prejudice For details on the mentioned events please contact the CIH Events team on 024 7685 1772 or email: training.conferences@cih.org.

Alternatively log onto www.cih.org/events CIH Conferences & Events Octavia House, Westwood Business Park, Westwood Way, Coventry, CV4 8JP Tel: 024 7685 1772 Fax: 024 7642 1973 email: training.conferences@cih.org

www.cih.org

22nd to 23rd January 2008 National Housing Management Conference and Exhibition 4th to 6th March 2008 CIH Annual Conference in the South East Region Brighton 10th to 13th March 2008 CIH in Scotland Annual Conference & Exhibition Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre Contact: Jill Malcolmson on 0131 225 4544 or email jill.malcolmson@cih.org 13th March 2008 CIH Annual Conference in the Yorkshire & Humberside Region 25th to 27th March 2008 TAI 2008 Cardiff City Hall Contact: Liza Fleming on 029 2074 1137 or email liza.fleming@cih.org