Funding boost to tackle ASB

Over forty one thousand pounds is being pumped into tackling anti social behaviour throughout Kirklees.

The Kirklees Crime Reduction Partnership, which includes the Police, Council and other agencies have made a successful bid for Government funding.

Inspector Steve Forrest is the Kirklees Crime and Justice Co-ordinator.

He says the cash will be used for various initiatives:

“The money, which has been provided by the Accelerated Neighbourhood Partnership is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives.

“It has allowed us to place Community Rangers, School Liaison Officers and frontline Neighbourhood Policing Team officers on a programme which develops their knowledge over the root causes of anti social behaviour, its impacts and also methods of engagement.

“Antisocial behaviour can often lead to gang related activity and it is only by understanding the issues experienced by young people that we can successfully deal with it.

“This course also considers other implications, such as the knock on effects that antisocial behaviour can have on families and the wider community. It is important that we identify those involved or who are at risk of being involved and provide them with diversionary opportunities. The programme deals with all these issues and has run from the Deighton Centre in Huddersfield and the Ravensthorpe Community Centre in Dewsbury.

“Aside of the course, there is also many other areas which will benefit from the funding. In particular, there will be training for 35 Community Crime Fighters. They are active members in their community who volunteer to forge stronger links between the police, courts, local authority, probation and the neighbourhoods they serve.

“Also planned is a two week operation to clampdown on street level drug dealing, as well as other activity to combat anti social behaviour during the night time economy. Elsewhere, it will provide added focus on the use of off road motorcycles in park and play areas within the District.

“As part of our combined efforts to have justice seen and justice done, the partnership will also be keeping people informed of its progress around anti social behaviour. Some of the funding will therefore go towards a mail-shot to 192,000 Kirklees residents. This will


include our partnership pledge on anti social behaviour, our achievements so far, resident’s rights and also Home Office minimum standards.”

Cllr Peter O''Neil, Kirklees Council Cabinet Member for Safer, Stronger Communities said:

"When I speak to local people, they tell me about the negative effects Anti-Social Behaviour has on their communities and how they feel about their local area. This money will be used to continue the joint working that partners undertake to collectively address local issues and to tell local people about the outcome of this work.

"We know that most of the community are prepared to take an active role in tackling neighbourhood issues provided they have appropriate support - the new community crime fighters provide this link between partners and local people. I look forward to hearing about the positive difference the funding has made to local people''s lives”


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT ANDY SMITH IN THE KIRKLEES POLICE PRESS OFFICE ON 07709398664