THINK TANK ON ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

This provided an opportunity for partners to develop and share understanding of anti-social behaviour issues within the Lewes district as well as improving communication between partners involved with crime reduction.

The introduction of new anti-social behaviour legislation and powers mean that litter, graffiti, fly-tipping, abandoned and nuisance vehicles, dog fouling and fly posters will all be subject to increased powers and sanctions including fixed penalties and prosecution for more serious offences.

Councillor Liz Lee, Chair of the Crime Reduction Partnership said "We will continue to work together to respond to anti-social behaviour. Residents want to feel safe within the area they live and work and know that action will be taken to deal with abandoned vehicles, graffiti, litter, dog fouling and other anti-social behaviour issues.

"There are initiatives being put in place to improve local areas, such as offering support to residents who take part in "neighbourhood watch" schemes, to target areas that have specific problems and work on them together with the community until the problem is solved".

There are also new projects just beginning that involve youngsters helping each other in an innovative mentoring scheme with Sussex University students. Young people want activities and facilities where they can meet and spend time together and we are listening to them and seeking funding opportunities wherever possible.

Presentations from keynote speakers on the day included Miriam Minty from the Respect Task Force at the Home Office, Chief Inspector Bob Gough, Ian Kedge, Head of Environment and Health at Lewes District Council, Matt Dunkley, Director of Children's Services at East Sussex County Council, John Hawkins Head of Youth Offending Team, Penny Shimmin Chief Executive Newhaven Community Development Association and Julie Thompson Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator, Crime Reduction Partnership. These presentations were followed by facilitated workshops where partners were able to suggest solutions to various anti-social behaviour scenarios.

*Lewes District Council has two anti-social behaviour Co-ordinators, Julie Thompson and Alistair Parkin. Their telephone number is 01273 484339 or email [email protected] or [email protected]