Week of action starts to tackle Littlehampton Ham ward problems

That's the message from the area's town and district councillor, Mike Northeast, who said the Week of Action organised by Arun Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership did not focus on the important issues.

"It was a good start, but there are bigger problems that need to be addressed," he said.

"We know there are concerns about deprivation in certain areas.

"There are concerns about long-term unemployment, about drug abuse, and anti-social behaviour.

"I am not saying that it is a rough area, but these problems are there, and need to be tackled in the right way.

"Events like this paint a different picture."

Just the beginning

He added that while the week, which included a clean-up operation, as well as street briefings by police and fire officers offering advice on safety and crime prevention tips, had brought people together, it was only the start of the journey.

"I understand it is important to explain to people how to save money on energy bills, and how to avoid injury in the home.

"The problem is, we are not getting to grips with the real issues.

"These problems have been there for too long, and for too long we have not solved them."

He went on to say that the week had helped foster a sense of community, and show people that there were things that could be done to improve the area they live in.

Community leades

"Hopefully, it has brought forward real community leaders, who want change and will make that happen.

"Neither I, nor anyone else on the council, can tell people how to live their day-to-day lives.

"We keep being told that it is 70 years since World War II, and that it took the war to bring communities together.

"We do not need another war, we just need some of that Dunkirk community sprit."

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