Helen Jones

Labour Party | Warrington North

ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

During my recent mobile surgeries the issue of anti-social behaviour by youngsters has been raised many times.  It is a problem which has been reported to me in Bewsey, Birchwood, Culcheth, Orford and Woolston in recent weeks. 

Much of the problem is linked to a small minority of our young people.  I am always keen to stress that it is a small minority and try to ensure that the good things which can be associated with most of our youngsters are highlighted.  This does not mean,  however,  that the actions of the minority should be ignored.

Increasingly the problems surround alcohol.  The amount of very cheap,  but high percentage proof alcohol that falls into the hands of our youngsters is very disturbing.  It is,  unfortunately sold to them or bought for them by adults and it only takes a small amount  to render youngsters,  who in some cases are as young as 12,  drunk very quickly.  They then become a nuisance to others and a danger to themselves. 

There are laws to tackle these problems for example Trading Standards are empowered to check on licensed outlets to prevent the sale of alcohol to underage people and the police can apply for Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) against trouble makers.  I have just met the Divisional Police Commander to discuss these and other policing issues in the town.  We agreed that only by working together can we tackle these problems and that includes receiving details of the hot spots from the public.  This partnership can bear fruit,  for example the recent work in Woolston culminating in a public meeting has lead to a new policing strategy which will soon come into effect. 

Your input is crucial.  I would be grateful if people could let me know (in confidence) just what problems they have experienced and in what locations.   In this way hot spots can be identified and planned responses worked out.  Contact my constituency office – Gilbert Wakefield House, 67 Bewsey Street by letter, or phone 01925 232 480, or fax 01925 232 239 or by e-mail jonesh@parliament.uk