Dr Doug Naysmith

Labour Party | Bristol North West

Anti-social Behaviour

Doug Naysmith MP’s column for the Observer
North Bristol and South Gloucestershire Editions

Anti-social Behaviour (ASB) may be a new phrase and a new set of initials but as I know from many people who have been to see me or written to ask for my help, it certainly isn’t a new problem.   For years, a few people who were noisy, destructive or aggressive made life miserable for their neighbours and sometimes it seemed there was little that could be done.

I am delighted that the Government was determined to end the “There’s nothing we can do” attitude of some officials and has made sure there is now a great deal they can do.  It has given them powers to deal with noisy or aggressive neighbours and intimidating groups.  It took seriously, too, the things that make our neighbourhoods look depressing, such as graffiti, fly-tipping and litter.   There is a range of penalties that can be used – and a range of ways of helping too.  Parents do not usually want their child to be the neighbourhood nuisance and they value any help they can get.

When Home Office minister Hazel Blears came to Bristol North West recently she saw how well the new powers were working.  Local shopkeepers and residents in Lockleaze told her that gangs used to gather in and round the shops.  Shoppers felt scared to go in, and the shopkeepers lost customers.  Now that police have taken the problems seriously and used their powers to disperse groups and return youngsters to their homes, the people of Lockleaze feel much safer. 
 
It would be daft to pretend that noisy, inconsiderate and aggressive behaviour will cease.  But with the new powers for Police and local councils, and a new determination from Government, we should be able to make life safer and more pleasant for people who have suffered from ASB in the past.