Crackdown on anti-social behaviour

ELDERLY and vulnerable people living in council housing in Waveney will be protected by a new crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

Waveney District Council's new behaviour strategy is aimed at reducing problems in social housing by installing surveillance cameras, making more use of an independent mediation service and acceptable behaviour.

Complaints about anti-social behaviour are dealt with by eight housing officers, who try to resolve conflicts between tenants as quickly and effectively as possible.

Reports of anti-social behaviour will now be followed by an informal interview with a housing officer to try and find the causes of the problem, followed by a formal interview to reconsider mediation.

If the dispute or problem cannot be solved by one of the officers, a behaviour contract, ASBO or injunction may be considered in severe cases. Money will also be spent on improving doors and windows to make properties more secure.

People who feel intimidated when reporting incidents of anti-social behaviour, particularly the elderly or people with young children, will be supported by the police and court service.

A report to the council's community safety, health and wellbeing scrutiny sub-committee said: “Customers wanted a more pro-active approach to dealing with this issue, including measures to overcome witness intimidation and a softer approach to dealing with neighbour problems besides just enforcement procedures.

“The council has built a good reputation in dealing with serious anti-social behaviour cases, not shying away from taking firm action when it is required.”