New Ideas from local Lib Dems on Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour (Surrey Heath Liberal Democrats

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New Ideas from local Lib Dems on Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour

January 12, 2007 12:00 AM

Basingstoke has Community Wardens. Why not Surrey Heath?

Lib Dem Cllr Bob Smith has called for the introduction of Community Wardens in Surrey Heath with the aim of reducing crime and fear of crime, deterring anti-social behaviour and caring for the environment. The wardens would be specially trained and uniformed officers who would provide a visible presence in residential areas, and the scheme would be run in partnership with local housing associations, parish councils and voluntary groups.

Speaking at a recent meeting of Heatherside & Parkside Lib Dems, Cllr Smith said: "Currently, Surrey Heath Council does not have an "on-the-ground" role in the management of ASB. Instead it participates in the Safer Surrey Heath Partnership, and has funded PCSO posts for Surrey Police.

"However, residents have found the Police less than responsive to reports of low-level anti-social behaviour because of the higher priority that the Police need to assign to public order, serious crimes and road traffic matters.

"However, we have looked at best practise elsewhere and found that something can be done. For example, locally, Rushmoor Council has reorganised its environment and parks services to introduce wardens, and we believe the idea is also applicable to Surrey Heath."

There are some 500 Community Warden schemes operating in all parts of the country, including schemes in Reading, Basingstoke and in both Elmbridge and Spelthorne in Surrey. Warden schemes are certified to a national scheme run by the Government Communities & Local Government Department.

The wardens would have a number of roles depending on local needs, such as:

o promoting community safety and assisting with environmental improvements, such tackling litter, graffiti, dog fouling and housing problems

o contributing to community development and providing a link between local residents, local authorities and the police

o engaging with local residents

However, wardens would also be able to use recent powers to impose on-the-spot fines in certain circumstances.

Cllr David Whitcroft, Leader of the Lib Dem group at Surrey Heath Council, said: "We need new ideas to address anti-social behaviour in Surrey Heath. Other Councils have introduced theses schemes by re-prioritising resources and working in partnership with other agencies. If Lib Dems control Surrey Heath Council after May 2007, this will be one of many new initiatives we will be taking forward."