nuisance newsThe quarterly newsletter of the Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group Issue 45 Mar 2008

This issue includes articles from

the following:-

Anthony Collins Solicitors

Aspire Housing

Atlantic Housing

Bowlee Park Housing

Coast & Country Housing

Chelmer Housing Partnership

Colchester Borough Homes

Cross Keys Homes,

CSHS

Derby Homes

First Choice Homes

Gateshead Housing Company

Hammersmith and Fulham Homes

Harvest Housing

Hermitage HA

Hyde HA

New Charter HA

Newham Council

New Progress HA

One Vision Housing

Oxford Citizens HA

Poplar HARCA

Redditch BC

SHAARP

Sheffield Homes

Southampton City Council

South Essex Homes

South Somerset Homes

Swansea Council

Three Valleys Housing

Vale HA

Wales &West HA

Whitefriars Housing Group

Wigan and Leigh Housing

Whiteheads Solicitors

This issue

ocial LandlordsCrime and Nuisance Group

Full steam ahead.... 2008 promises to be our busiest year yet

Arrangements are being firmed up for our conference to be held in Telford at

the International Centre on 7th and 8th October. In response to Member’s

views we are staging it over two days but retaining the workshop format that

has proved to so popular over the years.We will be able to cater for more

delegates and expect high profile speakers as well as a bigger exhibition.

Watch out for more details as the programme develops but put the date in

your diary.

Training

Sharon Mackley is expanding our training service this year, starting with the

extremely popular workshops on Mental Health Issues and the Disability

Discrimination Act [more details elsewhere in this edition].The Regional

Meetings continue to deliver a range of useful sessions for our Members and

we are also looking at ways that we can work with other agencies to deliver

training to a broader range of partners.

Accreditation

Following the success of the Respect Performance Improvement Toolkit

developed jointly with HouseMark, we are now investigating the possibility of

producing a service for social landlords that will give them an evaluation of

the way that they tackle anti-social behaviour.

If the stand-alone regulator/OFTENANT develops in the way we anticipate,

the “lighter touch” inspections that should be part of that future regime

would be influenced by the sort of “accreditation” that we are developing. At

this stage we have the support of the Audit Commission, which is working

with us to get the scheme off the ground.We are also fortunate to be able to

work with other partners who have similar experience, such as CSHS, ENCAMS

and TPAS.

Wales and Scotland

We will be opening up better links this year with colleagues in Wales,

particularly through theWales ASB Forum, but also in supporting individual

Groups and working on our relationship with theWelsh Assembly

Government.

Editorial

2

continued from page 1

We are looking at ways in which we can support social

landlords in Scotland in tackling anti-social behaviour

and we will be at the CIH conference in Aberdeen in

March to improve our links and, hopefully, attract more

Members.

Respect

Finally, what about “Respect”? We haven’t seen an

obituary, but there doesn’t seem to be much life in the

Respect Agenda.The Government line is that the work

on Respect continues, but nobody is very clear about

who is delivering on it. Of course social landlords

continue to receive support from DCLG in the generality

of their work to tackle ASB, but other Government

Departments [particularly the Home Office and DCSF]

have increasingly high expectations that social landlords

will take on an ever- broadening range of responsi-

bilities. Typical of this expectation is the assumption by

DCSF that the delivery of parenting support will become

part of social landlords’mainstream business, as

evidenced by the Guidance issued in November 2007.

Perhaps nobody would argue with the philosophy

behind this assumption but the lack of a coherent

approach across Government implies that the “silo

approach”of the Government strategy to tackle ASB is

leading to unrealistic expectations of social landlords

and a lack of clear direction for us all.

For our part we continue to lobby the three major

players [DCLG/DCSF/Home Office] for

some clarity and leadership.

Peter Jackson,

Managing Director

David Blunkett to addressThe National Shelteredand Supported Housing

Congress 2008A rare opportunity to hear the former Home

Secretary in person.

CSHS is delighted to announce that the Rt. Hon. David

Blunkett MP will speak at The National Sheltered and

Supported Housing Congress and Exhibition 2008.

As Secretary of State for Education and Employment

Blunkett developed the Learning and Skills Councils,

created Job Centre Plus and launched the New Deal

which created over 100,000 jobs for young people.

He also launched the Commission for Racial Equality

and chaired the Equal Opportunities Commission.

Blunkett led a reform of the civil services; adapting the

role of the Home Office to meet new challenges whilst

maintaining the lead in immigration, drugs, crime and

policing.

Christine

Walker, CSHS

Director said,

“David Blunkett

has a

reputation for

being

outspoken and

I’m certain he

will make a

memorable

contribution to

the Congress.

As Home

Secretary,Mr Blunkett urged people from ethnic

minorities to develop a "sense of belonging" in Britain;

it will be interesting to hear his take on our overall

Congress theme of Striving for Safe, Strong, Sustainable

Communities.”

The National Sheltered and Supported Housing

Congress and Exhibition 2008 will take place on the 5

and 6 June at the superb Oxford Barceló Hotel.

For more information visit www.cshs.co.uk/congress.

National recognitionfor JuniorWardens andMentors SchemeThe Bowlee Park Housing Association Junior Warden

Scheme has received national recognition in a

Government report recommending the scheme be

copied nationwide.

The Empowering People report stated how: “becoming a

junior warden is a matter of pride for some people” and

cited the Bowlee Park scheme as best practice.

This hugely popular scheme is aimed at children

between six and 12 years old and currently has 170

members. It was introduced in 2003 to tackle high levels

of youth nuisance in the area which, following research

by the NeighbourhoodWardens, was attributed to lack of

provision and positive role models in the area for junior

school children.

This groundbreaking initiative has attracted interest from

wardens schemes as far a field as Wrexham, Liverpool,

South London and even The Isle of White who have all

introduced junior warden schemes based on the

methods developed by the Bowlee Park team.

The Junior Wardens have also received national publicity

with features on BBC One’s flagship children’s current

affairs programme – Newsround, Radio One’s Newsbeat

programme as well as coverage on BBC Radio Four and

BBC Radio Suffolk.

Colin Whitley,Warden Supervisor said “Being a junior

warden is not just about attending activities, it’s about

taking pride in and respecting your community.

“A junior warden’s job is to report things like fly tipping,

graffiti, broken windows, vandalism, and discarded

hypodermic syringes while they go about their day to

day normal activity. So in effect they are on duty 24

hours.’

“The scheme is so successful that most children want to

carry on their good work once they reach the age of 12

which led to us introducing the Junior Warden Mentors

for children 12 years and above who have also been

junior wardens. Since the project was introduced in 2003

instances of anti-social behaviour from children in this

age range has been virtually eliminated.”

Positive activities over the last twelve months have

included a sponsored pyjama walk for Children in Need,

a Christmas hampers appeal for our elderly tenants and

intergenerational poem writing with the local elderly day

care centre based

around respect.”

Member’s News

Excluded from flatA former Aspire Housing customer has been excluded

from his flat after being arrested four times for breaking

a Court Order.

The tenant had been subject to a County Court

injunction in January 2008 preventing him from making

any loud noise between 8pm and 8am; having more

than two visitors, harassing, intimidating or pestering

any other residents in the local area.

The prohibitions were ordered by a County Court

District Judge after evidence had been presented of

noisy, drunken parties of large numbers of youths.

Helen Scurr, Head of Housing Services at Aspire

Housing, said:“We are committed to promoting positive

social behaviour as well as tackling anti-social

behaviour. Our customers are at the heart of everything

we do and we work hard to provide them with the

reassurance and support they need.

She continued:“This is a fantastic outcome for us. We

work with a number of agencies in the local

neighbourhoods to empower our customers to take

action and

in this case

it really paid

off.”

Like to knowmore then contact:

Jeff Allen 01706 674353

Like to knowmore then contact:

Wendy Dale, 01782 635200 extn. 4841

wdale@aspirehousing.co.uk

3

Member’s News

4

Hard hat hero!

One Vision Housing has awarded a workman with a

‘Community Hero’ award after his quick actions saved

the life of one of its tenants.

Sean Pellett (20) from FOZ Electrical, a subcontractor of

Kier, was working on the home of George Hughes (79), as

part of the One Vision Housing Decent Homes

programme,when Mr Hughes collapsed and hit his head

on a chest of drawers causing serious injury.

Mr Hughes had fallen unconscious and was barely

breathing when Sean reached him.He instructed a

colleague to call an ambulance and placed Mr Hughes

into the recovery position, comforting him and his wife

until the paramedics arrived.

It was later discovered that Sean’s actions had saved Mr

Hughes’ life as he had suffered an aortic rupture and two

heart attacks, and spent the next two weeks in hospital.

The award – the first of its kind – was presented to Sean

at the home of Mr Hughes by One Vision Housing Chief

Executive RoyWilliams.

Mr.Williams said:“Everyone at One Vision Housing would

like to give our most sincere thanks to Sean for his

actions. By keeping a cool head and reacting quickly in

this situation he has saved a life and we feel that he fully

deserves this recognition as a token of our appreciation.”

Mr Hughes said:“I cannot thank Sean enough for what

he did.Without his help I simply would not be here right

now and he fully deserves all the praise he receives.”

John Quirk, Senior Operations Director for KBM said:“Kier

is very proud of Sean’s actions and we try to encourage

this behaviour in all our employees as Health and Safety

is one of our key priorities.We’d like to applaud Sean and

thank him for his great work with Kier.”

Speaking at the presentation Sean said:“I am very

grateful to One Vision Housing for this award, however I

feel that I was only doing what anyone would have done

in the same situation and I am extremely glad that Mr

Hughes managed to hang on until the paramedics

arrived and that he is alive and well.”

Closure orderafter drugs raid

Poplar HARCA, Bromley by Bow safer neighbourhood

team and the Bethnal Green Police partnership unit

were granted a three month Closure Order from

Thames Magistrates Court on a property in Bow .

A closure order is an order granted by the courts so that

the police can close a property for up to three months,

if a property is being used for suspected illegal

activities. Any visitors would be liable to arrest under

powers from the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003

During this time Poplar HARCA will apply to the court

for a Possession Order.

The Closure Order was granted after police discovered

drugs paraphernalia used for Class 'A' drugs during a

drugs raid in December. It also came after complaints

from neighbours concerned about the number of

people visiting the flat and smoking drugs in the

stairwell.

Acting Sergeant, Aidan Kelly, said: “This involved good

partnership working between the safer

neighbourhoods team, Crime Partnership unit and

Poplar HARCA.We will continue to act on information

received from the local community.”

“Obtaining a closure order on this property is an

excellent result for residents who have had to endure

continuous anti-social behaviour from the tenant and

his visitors. We would not have been able to obtain this

result without the assistance of our partners but

especially the residents that reported the problems

they were experiencing to us.”

Like to knowmore then contact:

Darren Nugent, 0151 934 3451

darren.nugent@ovh.org.uk

Members News

5

Highly successful

training eventsOver 250 people attended two joint training

events held in Redcar and Cleveland on training

together to tackle ASB and crime.

They were organised by the Police, in

conjunction with Coast & Country Housing and

the Council and brought together a range of

front line staff who are involved in delivering

Neighbourhood Policing.

Neighbourhood Police Officers and PCSOs

attended workshops along with Coast & Country

staff, Community Safety Wardens, the Council’s

ASB team and other staff. The workshops gave

delegates an insight into what each of the

agencies can do to make Neighbourhood

Policing a success.

In the spirit of partnership working, Chief

Constable Sean Price, Councillor Dave McLuckie,

and Iain Sim, Coast & Country’s Chief Executive

opened the events jointly.

Iain Sim said “Consultation with our residents

tells us that their biggest concerns are crime,

anti-social behaviour and environmental issues

such as vandalism and graffiti and as a housing

provider we cannot resolve this on our own.Our

participation in delivering this event and the

commitment of our staff attending the training

shows that we are passionate about working

alongside our partners to improve our

neighbourhoods and the quality of life for our

residents’”

Feedback from staff who attended the event

was excellent and new contacts made are being

used to tackle problems and reassure residents

that everyone is working together to deal with

their Policing and ASB priorities.

Further joint training events are planned

Doing somethingpositive for their

local communityYoung offenders are being given the opportunity to learn new

skills and improve their behaviour thanks to a new partnership.

FROGlife has partnered with Cross Keys Homes,Mears and Lovell

to set up a new project, which will help youngsters on reparation

orders to do something positive for their local community.

FROGlife is a national charity based in Peterborough working to

protect reptiles and amphibians. It works alongside Peterborough

City Council’s Youth Offending Service and involves youngsters on

a number of wildlife initiatives.

This new project sees young people who have been given

community service build a range of nature products including

bird boxes to help protect the wildlife. All equipment, work

benches and workshop space has been provided by Cross Keys

Homes,Mears and Lovell.

Cross Keys Homes’ director of operations, Claire Higgins said:“The

workshop

sessions have

been designed to

help us work

with this group

of youngsters

and to help them

overcome the

factors which

have previously

led them to perpetrate anti-social behaviour. He added “We are

not expecting to stop anti-social behaviour overnight but we are

hoping to help these young people look to the future in a positive

way by helping them to enjoy the great outdoors, its wildlife and

all the other things it has to offer as well as at the same time

developing new skills.”

FROGlife’s reparation manager, Andy Mortimore, added:“The aim

is to help rehabilitate young people so that they can feel more

valued in the community.

“FROGlife will use the workshop kindly provided by Cross Keys,

Mears and Lovell to encourage these young people to produce a

range of nature related products. They will be distributed

throughout the

Peterborough area to

enhance conservation

areas.”

Like to knowmore then contact:

Louise Harding 01642 771300

louise_harding@cchousing.org.uk

Like to knowmore then contact:

Katie Savage 01733 385116

katie.savage@crosskeyshomes.co.uk

Member’s News

Hot topics debated

in the NorthWestIs crime out of control? Is the UK’s fear culture

exploited by the media? Are we responsible for

global warming or are we the victims of

propaganda? Could a healthy lifestyle ever be an

ethical prerequisite for entry to the social housing

system?

These were just some of the questions raised at the

NorthWest Communities Debate in November at

the City of Manchester Stadium.

The debate, hosted by broadcaster John Stapleton,

included a panel of key decision makers within the North

West, including :-

� Sir David Henshaw, Chairman of NHS NorthWest

� Jo Rogerson , Chief Inspector - Operations, Greater

Manchester Police,

� Michael Oglesby, Chairman of NorthWest Investment

Company MIDAS,

� Max Steinberg OBE, Chief Executive of Elevate East

Lancashire

� Harvest Housing Group’s Chief Executive Ian Perry.

The opinions of local

residents and other

agencies were also

heard, focusing on a

number of issues such

as crime, affordable

homes, provision for

the elderly and the environment and how the

combination of these factors impacts on our

communities.

Jo Rogerson opened up the debate with her take on

crime and actions that need to be taken, saying: “There is

evidence that crime is coming down however there is

still a lot more to do. People need to work together and

get involved in their local communities.”

Michael Oglesby said:“We need to look at total

situations.We can’t just look at one issue in isolation but

need to address the totality of the problem – the full

community.”

Multi-agency work is vitally important to the community

activity undertaken by Harvest Housing Group,who

organise the debate on an annual basis.

The panel addressed the need for a long-tern plan to

ensure sustainable communities for the future

generations and to secure the region’s economy.

Ian Perry said:“A robust long-term plan is needed but at

the moment no one is looking beyond the next five to

six years.”

Sir David Henshaw agreed by adding that the fortunes of

children need to be altered and that there is a serious

need for more interventions early on so as to prevent the

next generation of crime.

It was argued that a similar long-term focus is also

required in communities to retain the next generation of

home owners by addressing transport systems, the

housing offer made available and the provision of good

public services, so that these areas become more

sustainable with mixed communities of all income levels.

Discussion about the importance of a focus on the future

considered not only the need for a long-term vision from

the Government and other agencies but also the respon-

sibility that individuals need to take for their own

lifestyles and their impact on society’s resources.

Sir David Henshaw summed up the feeling succinctly:

“The way we’re living our lives today will impact on the

future.”

The comment was supported at an environmental level

by Max Steinberg OBE who said: “We’re living as if we

have two and a half globes, not just one.”

6

Member’s News

7

Music totheir ears

Two lucky youngsters won MP3 players in a poster

competition run by New Progress Housing Association.

Beth Barnard and Savannah Rae, both year 10 pupils at

Southlands High School, designed the winning poster

to warn people about the consequences of behaving

anti-socially.

Over the past year, pupils at the school have been

learning about criminal damage and anti-social

behaviour as part of their Citizenship studies at a

special series of workshops run by New Progress.

The workshops have been designed by the association's

Tenancy Enforcement Team in partnership with

teachers to help students understand the challenges

facing them once they leave home.They cover topics

such as budgeting, rent arrears, dealing with anti-social

behaviour, and living responsibly in the community.

The poster competition marked the end of the course

and the winning entry will now be framed and

displayed in the organisation's Head Office in Leyland.

Says Alison Morton,Tenancy Enforcement Manager,

who delivered the workshops “This has been a great

ending to a really productive year working with the

school.The workshops have been a fantastic success

and have generated a lot of national interest. It's great

to see the participants being rewarded for all their hard

work and we are extremely proud that we are able to

display the winning entry in our office.'

Chair of New Progress Tenants' Forum and Liverpool

Magistrate,Mr Frank McKenna JP, judged the winning

entry.

The course has proved so popular that it has been held

up as a national example of best practice and has

sparked a number of similar initiatives at schools across

the country. Like to knowmore then contact:

Nykkie Berry 01772 450852

Enthusiasm is an organisation that works with young

people with the aim to see them fulfil their true

potential. It has been established since 1992 and was

borne out of a need for young people within the

Allenton/Osmaston area of Derby.

They tackle anti-social behaviour and aim to reduce

crime. This is done by engaging with young people and

providing positive alternatives such as youth clubs,

education and one-to-one support.

Because of its positive working relationship with Derby

Community Safety Partnership, Derby Homes has further

funded additional projects, working particularly in

Alvaston/Boulton and Stockbrook/Morley Estate and

Mackworth.

Key to the success is working in partnership, in particular

with the Neighbourhood Teams where issues, problems

and concerns are identified, such as anti-social behaviour

and they are able to act and make a difference.

Pete Matthews Housing Manager has said “ “It has

worked for Morely,Mackworth team because we have

worked with one lad who has really be causing trouble

throughout the estate. We referred him to Enthusiasm,

they have worked with him and his family and this has

resulted in a total turnaround of his attitude and is

rubbing off on his friends, even the police have noticed

the difference in this individual and group of youngsters

that he associates

with.”

Providingpositive alternatives

To find out more

www.enthusiasm.org.uk.

Member’s News

8

Aspire’sRespect Event

In November, Aspire Housing demonstrated its

commitment to the Government’s ‘Respect’ Standard for

Housing Management.

Customers and representatives from partner organi-

sations attended a ‘Respect’ event at their offices to learn

more about the standard and the company’s pledge to

tackle anti-social behaviour.

The company’s approach is to identify the root causes of

anti-social behaviour and support individuals to modify

their actions. It is looking to embed a culture of respect

throughout all of the communities that it serves.

David Cockcroft, Director of Housing at EnCAMS - an

organisation responsible for environmental campaigns –

delivered the keynote speech. He talked about the

‘Respect’ agenda and the work that EnCAMS are involved

in to raise people’s quality of life and their planned

improvements to provide cleaner, safer and greener

communities.

David spoke about the importance of agencies working

in partnership to achieve excellence in local environ-

mental quality and to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Helen Scurr, Head of Housing Services at Aspire Housing,

said:“’Respect’ is an attitude that is shown towards any

individual’s feelings or interests and acknowledges

another’s feelings.”

She added: “We work pro-actively with other agencies

and empower our customers to take action against anti-

social behaviour to get where we want to be. We look at

prevention and early intervention as part of our delivery

plan, alongside support for both victims and witnesses.”

Aspire Housing helped to fund ‘Inspire’ youth club in

Cross Heath, which opened in June 2007.

Maxine Hopson, Neighbourhood Officer, for the area, has

already noticed a positive difference. She said:“We now

have around 20-30 young people that visit the club

every week.” Furthermore, we have already worked with

a young lady, along with the Youth Offending Service, to

help disengage her from future anti-social behaviour.”

The ‘Respect’ standard is about engaging central

government, local agencies, communities and every

individual to work together to build a society in which

we can respect

one another.

ASB satisfactionsurvey

– the results are in…All complainants of anti-social behaviour who had their

cases closed between August and October 2007 had

the opportunity to take part in Hammersmith and

Fulham Homes’ first ever anti-social behaviour

satisfaction survey.

Over 50% of the surveys were returned and high levels

of satisfaction with the ease of contacting officers to

make the initial complaint (78%) and support given

(62%).

They also scored very highly on being helpful,

courteous, sensitive, responsive and knowledgeable.

Satisfaction levels reduce when residents were asked:-

� how satisfied they were with the way their case was

dealt with (51%)

� how satisfied they were with the outcome of their

case (465).

In order to drive satisfaction levels up, further scrutiny is

being done to identify those who were not satisfied.

Specifically H&F Homes are trying to find out if there

are groups that are particularly unsatisfied, for example

by age, gender and ethnicity.

These groups will then be invited to focus groups to

discuss any particular barriers that they may be

experiencing so a

better service to all

can be provided.

Like to knowmore then contact:

01782 635 200enquiries@aspirehousing.co.uk

Like to knowmore then contact:

Kate Boulton 020 8753 4817

kate.boulton@hfhomes.org.uk

Member’s News

Neighbour from hellordered to leave

Law-abiding residents are celebrating as New Progress Housing

Association obtained a possession order against another

nuisance tenant who made neighbours' lives 'hell'.

The tenant caused misery for her neighbours in the Seven Stars

area of Leyland with frequent episodes of excessive noise,

threatening and abusive behaviour, and alcohol-fuelled violence.

The mother of two also allowed intoxicated youths and adults to

gather in and around her property and operated an 'open

house'.

Despite continued efforts by the association to work with her to

address her behaviour, the tenant refused to change her poor

behaviour.

Working with evidence provided by local residents and Leyland

Policing Team, the association was granted possession of her

home.

Community Beat Manager, John Penter said: 'We fully support

New Progress's actions against this tenant.We will continue to

work with them to prevent and tackle anti-social behaviour in

our communities.'

Says Bernie Keenan,Managing Director: 'We are committed to

tackling anti-social behaviour and will take whatever steps are

necessary to protect the rights of tenants to feel safe in their

communities.'

'We always offer support to any tenant who is at risk of losing

their tenancy to try and resolve the situation. However, when a

tenant refuses to address their behaviour and continues to

disrupt the quality of life for people in the surrounding area, we

will enforce their tenancy conditions.'

New Progress's Tenancy Enforcement Team self-represented at

the court hearing making this their 31st 'DIY' case. Self-

representation significantly reduces the legal costs of court

proceedings for both

the organisation, its

tenants, and the

defendant.

It’s lookingRosy

on Rose HillNew Charter’s Rose Hill estate was given a

wake up call by Dolores Lewis when she took

over as Neighbourhood Management Officer

late last year.

The estate had fallen foul to criminal damage,

anti-social behaviour and criminal activities

and was attracting some very undesirable

characters.

Dolores immediately had CCTV installed to

capture evidence of the criminal goings-on

and to act as a deterrent to those up to no

good. She also intervened in the normal

lettings process to ensure that void properties

went to those willing to respect the estate and

their neighbours and to those that were

willing to live within the terms of their tenancy

agreement.Those that continued to breach

the terms of their tenancy agreement were

evicted.

Properties were given new fencing and

residents set up a local HomeWatch Scheme.

Due to the generosity of the local District

Assembly and New Charter, the HomeWatch

Scheme was provided with packs full of useful

information.

The estate benefited from a multi-agency

approach by New Charter, Greater Manchester

Police, local Councillors, Tameside Patrollers,

Denton Town Manager, Andrew Gwynne

(Denton MP) and residents to make the estate

one where people want to live again.

A new Residents Forum has been established

and it will help carry on the good work. Cheri

Burns has now taken over from Dolores and

she will also be striving for more

improvements.

Now Rose Hill’s future really does look rosy

9

Like to knowmore then contact:

Nykkie Berry 01772 450852

nberry@progressgroup.org.uk

Members News

10

Eviction for

nuisance coupleResidents who suffered at the hands of nuisance

neighbours were celebrating after they helped evict

the anti-social couple from their home.

The 29 year old female and 32 year old male of

Willenhall, were given 28 days to leave their

property after a possession order was served at

Coventry County Court.

Whitefriars Housing Group secured the order after

the court found a breach of an injunction,made at

the same court in October, forbidding the male to

visit or reside at the property.

The injunction followed months of complaints from

residents about anti-social behaviour and noise

nuisance, including screaming and shouting.

The injunction and the order were obtained with

the help of witness statements from residents,

Whitefriars staff and the police.

This is the second eviction secured by asb4,

Whitefriars’ specialist anti-social behaviour team this

year. Gail Cooper, asb4 business manager, said:“We

are very pleased at the court’s decision.This sends

the clear message out to people acting anti-socially

that their behaviour is unfair, unacceptable and will

not be tolerated.”

“I would like to thank all residents and the police

who helped us secure this order.With their help we

have been able to resolve this matter, which

resulted in an eviction order.Whitefriars considers

taking eviction proceedings only as a last resort, but

on occasions where residents refuse to change their

behaviour we are left with no alternative.”

The team,which is employed byWhitefriars

Housing Group, offers a city-wide mediation service

and tackles serious cases of anti-social behaviour.

asb4 is the only ‘one-stop shop’ for anti-social

behaviour services and remedies in the area. It

offers a full menu of resolution services ranging

from mediation through to emergency injunctions

and committal proceedings. Its aim is to allow

residents to enjoy their homes in peace.

Demotion isthe order ofthe day

Wales &West Housing Association has obtained its first

Demotion Order using the skills of in-house staff.

A demotion order means a tenancy is demoted to a

probationary tenancy for 12 months.

The staff obtained the Order at Cardiff County Court against

a tenant who had caused excessive and prolonged anti-

social behaviour to her neighbours by playing loud

amplified music and allowing her visitors to regularly

threaten and harass her neighbours, causing them distress

and alarm. Any further breaches of her tenancy within 12

months could result in eviction.

The association demonstrated to the Court the devastating

effect that the anti-social behaviour had upon neighbours

and the wider community.

Environmental Health Officers also assisted the association

by providing witness statements and seizing hi-fi equipment

from the property.

Residents were called upon to provide the required

evidence. For those who were too afraid to attend court,

staff acted as professional witnesses and presented hearsay

evidence on their behalf.

The tenant defended the action, relying upon the Disability

Discrimination Act, in particular linking her need to lose

herself in her music as a form of self medication. Whilst the

Court was sympathetic to the needs of the tenant, it

weighed up the effect this behaviour had upon neighbours

when considering the issue of reasonableness.

Wales &West Head of Housing, Lynnette Glover, said “The

association is delighted with the outcome of this case and it

has demonstrated that we are prepared to use all the tools

available to us to tackle anti-social behaviour.This will

ensure our residents do not suffer the effects of ASB”.

The association has, to date, taken over 20 possession cases

to Court without instructing

Counsel and have achieved

a 100% success rate.

Like to knowmore then contact:

Sharon Lee, Head of Support

Services on 0800 052 2526

News ...

11

Clean-up a successA clean up in Cotmanhay, Derbyshire was hailed a

success by all involved after more than 30 staff and

volunteers worked together with residents to tidy up the

area.

While estates were being tidied by the Young Rangers

and the Probation Services, staff from Three Valleys

Housing knocked on more than three hundred doors,

inspecting gardens and offering advice to residents

about how they could arrange for unwanted items to be

taken away.

Sixteen skips full of rubbish and bulky items were taken

away and a further 50 follow up visits were planned to

take away further items of household waste.

Housing Operations Manager for Three Valleys Housing,

Alf McLean, said:

“We have had a

very successful day

and we hope that

residents are proud

of what we have

achieved together.

We will be working

with local people

and Erewash

Borough Council to look at some of the issues that have

come out of the day and look at how we can maintain

this standard in the future.”

Like to knowmore then contact:

Phil Campbell, 0844 770 3500

phil.campbell@threevalleyshousing.com

DDA trainingtakes off !

SLCNG members are finding that a new series of training

events are really hitting the spot.

It was felt that more needed to be done to alert

members about the responsibilities that they have

following the introduction of the Disability

Discrimination Act.

Many provisions of the Act came into force in December

2006 and a report by Sheffield Hallam University in

August 2007 highlighted the desperate need for social

landlords to consider the effects that anti-social

behaviour was having on disabled people.

Given the higher rates of disability among tenants of

social landlords there is a need for those organisations in

a position of influence, such as SLCNG, to use their

position to help social landlords develop more sensitive

polices and procedures.

Sharon Mackley, SLCNG Operations Manager said,“ We

knew from earlier reports from the National Audit Office

and the British Institute for Brian Injured Children that

there were concerns that social landlords might not be

dealing sensitively with anti-social behaviour that

affected people with disabilities or was caused by them.

We decided that SLCNG ought to take the lead with our

members and organise some training”

SLCNG worked with our partner organisation,

Whiteheads Solicitors, to run a series of workshops.The

first two workshops were run in October and November

2007,with a further five planned for early 2008. In

addition, tailored in-house courses have been arranged

for five member organisations.

“The demand has been amazing and the feedback is very

encouraging”, said Sharon,“it confirms our view that

SLCNG is in an ideal position to provide timely training

for its members which gives genuine value for money.”

For more information about the courses, contact Sharon

Mackley on 0247623 1749 or Sharon@slcng.org.uk

Peter Jackson, Managing Director.

ocial LandlordsCrime and Nuisance Group

Feature

12

SHAARP is the Southern Housing

Associations Antisocial Behaviour

Response Partnership.

SHAARP is funded by 14

registered social landlords in

Hampshire, Dorset andWest

Sussex covering over 50,000

properties in these areas. It

reports to a board of partnering

RSL’s and resident represen-

tatives.

Over the past two years it has

also established successful

partner relations with the Police,

Youth Offending Services and

ASB co-ordinators across several

Community Safety Partnerships.

SHAARP members include:

A2Winchester

Atlantic Housing

Hermitage HA

Home Havant

Hyde HA

Kingfisher HA

Knightstone HA

Martlet Homes Ltd

Pavilion HA

Portsmouth HA

Raglan HA

Swaythling HS

Twynham HA

Western Challenge HA

If you would like yourorganisation featured inNuisance News, pleasecontact Sharon Mackley,

Tel: 024 7623 1748

Email :sharon@slcng.org.uk

Stamping out ASBSHAARP successfully reclaimed possession of a property in Emsworth

following persistent anti-social behaviour by a 42 year-old woman.

The tenant who has a heavy alcohol dependency, had made neighbours lives

a misery over the course of three years with anti-social behaviour including

noise nuisance, arguments, shouting and littering.

Local residents suffering at the hands of included a neighbouring elderly

couple and young family whose mother has a terminal illness.The tenant also

has a 13 year-old son who is now living with relatives after intervention by

social services.

SHAARP worked in partnership with Hermitage Housing Association, who own

the property, and within seven days, they were successful in being granted

possession at Portsmouth County Court.

Six witnesses were involved in this case, working alongside SHAARP to

compile evidence and bring a successful case. Speaking after the court case

one witness said she/he wanted to cry with relief.

SHAARP Anti Social Behaviour Officer, Charlotte Cooper, commented:“The

local residents worked together to put a stop to this persistent anti-social

behaviour.”

She continued:“We are delighted to have finally resolved this case.The local

people put their trust in SHAARP and we are proud to have delivered a result

which will allow them to go back to living their every day lives in peace.”

Crack houseclosures

Police have officially closed houses in Fleet and Southampton after Crack

House Closure Orders was granted by magistrates under the Anti-Social

Behaviour Act 2003.

The order means that no-one can enter the properties for three months, and

during this time, it is a criminal offence for anyone to enter the flat unless

authorised by police.

A police spokesman said:“Drug-related anti-social behaviour will not be

tolerated by the police and the local community and we are committed to

making the area a safer and more pleasant place to live.

“The supply of drugs affects the quality of life for everyone, particularly those

living close by to where the activity takes place.

“If you witness any drug-related anti-social behaviour, please contact the

police.”

SHAARP has worked in partnership with the police on these cases and are

delighted there is now a positive end to this matter.

Feature

13

On behalf of the

Kent & Medway

Social Landlords

ASB Group, Nic

Haig (Hyde

Housing

Association’s ASB

Co-ordinator) and

Anne Chapman (Maidstone Housing Trust) presented the

Social Landlords category for the county’s Respect

Young Peoples award 2007.

More than 100 youngsters were honoured across six

categories. Among the winners were young people who

had combated racism and bullying, a group of teenagers

who had organised events to raise awareness of the

tragedy of domestic abuse and others who had worked

hard to build bridges between young people and their

communities.

The awards were open to young people aged between

10-20 years old and are backed by the Home Office and

supported by Kent Police Authority and Charlton

Athletic Football Club's Community Scheme

The winners for the Kent & Medway Social Landlords ASB

Group category went to Christopher Powell, Bradley

Powell, Laura Amer, who devoted their spare time to

setting up and running the Bysingwood Youth Club at

Faversham and the Highly Commended certificate to

Jack Devine of the Shepway Youth Forum (pictured

above).

Helping tostamp out ASB

A resident of Atlantic Housing was sentenced to 14

days imprisonment after twice breaching an anti-social

behaviour injunction obtained by his landlords and

SHAARP.

The case was originally referred to SHAARP in

November 2006 after complaints that the resident had

verbally abused his housing officer. Fellow residents of

the building also confirmed they had experienced

similar problems with the resident.

An Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction was granted in

February, 2007 which included power of arrest and

exclusion from the surrounding area for a period of two

years. The resident then breached the ASBI on two

separate occasions, firstly threatening a witness when

collecting some belongings from the property, for

which he received a suspended sentence of 14 days

imprisonment.

On the second occasion he threatened to murder his

housing officer, who was attempting to deal with a

possession order on the property.

SHAARP Anti-Social Behaviour Officer Charlotte Cooper

commented:“We are delighted to have a successful

outcome in this case and resolve matters for both the

housing staff and neighbours who suffered as a result

of this unacceptable behaviour.”

13 year old’sevidence

SHAARP successfully obtained a Possession Order for a

Hyde Housing Association property in Sholing.

The judge granted the order after hearing the

compelling evidence of a SHAARP officer Charlotte

Cooper and a 13 year-old resident.

The case was originally referred to SHAARP in May 2005

after incidents of racial abuse a man towards other

residents. An Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction was

obtained against the man in June 2005 who was living

at the property in with his girlfriend, a Hyde resident.

In January 2006 he pleaded guilty to using racially

aggravated threatening and abusive words and his

partner was served a Notice Seeking Possession on the

property.

In September 2006 SHAARP were also granted a

Postponed Possession Order making the resident aware

that if her partner’s behaviour continued she would be

facing eviction. Two further incidents occurred in

September and November 2006 when the man was

arrested twice for using racially aggravated threatening

and abusive words and then bailed.

In May 2007 SHAARP were granted a Possession Order

for the property following evidence from their Anti-

Social Behaviour Officer Charlotte and a 13-year old

resident whose evidence was fundamental to the case.

Member’s News

14

Like to knowmore then contact:

01527 534007 or 64252

www.redditchbc.gov.uk

Woman jailedfor second

time for breachingASBOA Redditch woman,who has featured twice

before in Nuisance News, has been given a

further custodial sentence for breaching

the terms of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order

The 34 year old, formerly of Winyates, was

given a four-month jail sentence by

Worcester Crown Court at the end of

November.

A two-year Criminal Anti-Social Behaviour

Order was also imposed,which will take

effect on her release from prison. She was

also sentenced to 225 days in prison by

Redditch Magistrates in September 2007

for breaching the ASBO.

The ASBO had been granted in September

2005 following complaints from

neighbours that she had been playing loud

music, shouting, swearing, spitting and

throwing things over her balcony.

Although the ASBO initially had the desired

effect, six months later complaints about

her behaviour began to come in again.

Despite intervention by Redditch Borough

Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team, the

level of complaints escalated.

Liz Bellaby, Anti-Social Behaviour Manager

at Redditch Borough Council, said:“This

case demonstrates that, in partnership with

West Mercia Constabulary, we will continue

to rigorously tackle anti-social behaviour,

protecting individuals and improving the

quality of life within communities.

Over £50,000 forRespect our Communityschemes

As a result of signing up to the Respect Standard, First Choice Homes

Oldham’s newly formed Better Neighbourhoods Team is working

hard to deliver new

initiatives that will

help improve the

estates of Oldham.

One of these

schemes is the

“Respect Our

Community Awards”.

The awards have

been designed to

give tenants and residents a chance to improve their neighbourhood

by generating ideas from within the community that will help them

resolve problems where they live.

First Choice Homes Oldham has invested £30,000 into the scheme

and local organisations have contributed a further £22,000 in cash

and a wealth of resources.

The Respect Our Community Awards Coordinator, Jayne

Winterbottom said,“It is vital that tenants and residents on our

estates take ownership of the problems they face, who better to say

what the possible solutions are than the very people that live within

these neighbourhoods? We now have a ‘resource bank’ to help

people realise their ideas, historically all our efforts have been

focused on punitive measures.”

The applications are scrutinised by a panel made up of

representatives from organisations that have contributed to the

scheme.These include Bullock, Connaught, Housing 21, NCHA,

Keyring as well as many others.

Projects can be funded up to the value of £5,000. Once a project has

been approved a support plan is devised so that the applicant gets

as much assistance as they need.

First Choice Homes Oldham is committed to building confident

communities that pull together to resolve problems that affect them.

Increasing tenant and resident involvement to raise community spirit

by encouraging them to get involved can only be a good thing.

Like to knowmore then contact:

Better Neighbourhoods Team 0161 770 4588

Member’s News

Out ofhours

operations prove awinnerIt is good news for Leyland as new figures

released by New Progress Housing

Association indicate a reduction in

incidents of anti-behaviour in the town.

The organisation's Tenancy Enforcement

Team is celebrating after data collated by

the association and the local Police show

that 'out of hours' working is paying off in

their bid to deter anti-social behaviour.

Working with the local Police, the team

undertook out of hours operations in the

weeks leading up to Halloween and Bonfire

night in areas around Leyland, Bamber

Bridge and Penwortham that tended to

attract anti-social behaviour after dark.

The prevention work, which included letters

to tenants reminding them of their tenancy

conditions and high presence night patrols,

led to an overall 40% reduction in criminal

damage and 18% reduction in anti-social

behaviour compared to the same period

last year.

Linda Alcock, Head of Tenancy Enforcement

said : “The reduction is fantastic news for

the team, our partners and above all, the

local community.We are always looking to

new ways to prevent anti-social behaviour

and this is another example of how working

together really works.'

“We are looking forward to working with

our partners to see the results of a similar

initiative over the Christmas period.”

15

Like to knowmore then contact:

Nykkie Berry 01772 450852nberry@progressgroup.org.uk

Indefinite anti-socialbehaviour injunction

awardedAn anti-social behaviour Injunction was granted at Redditch

County Court in December 2007 on a Redditch woman

following complaints by a number of neighbours about the

behaviour of her children.

The majority of complaints related to shouting, swearing,

deliberately targeting properties when playing ball games,

damage to property and throwing stones at neighbouring

properties.

The Anti-Social Behaviour Team endeavoured to work with the

women and her children but complaints continued. It was felt

that formal action was required to allow the community respite

from the continued anti-social behaviour.

The terms of the injunction mean that the woman and her

children or visitors will not be allowed to swear or shout, verbally

abuse, threaten, harass or intimidate people, play ball games in

the close where they live, cause damage to property or throw

stones or other objects at properties.

In addition she is not to allow her garden to remain in an untidy

condition.

Councillor Bill Hartnett, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety,

said: “The Council regrettably accepts that anti-social behaviour

occurs but when it does and sufficient evidence of ongoing anti-

social behaviour is received, the Council will take steps to stop

the activity which may result in court action such as this

injunction.“

When granting the indefinite order the judge noted that there

had been a ‘long attempt on the part of the Council to deal with

the situation’ and he was mindful to grant the order. In addition

the judge thanked the residents for attending court.

Liz Bellaby, Anti-Social Behaviour Manager at Redditch Borough

Council said: “Redditch Borough Council will continue to use the

tools and powers available to deal with perpetrators of anti-

social behaviour.This injunction was obtained to stop the

behaviour that has been

having a negative impact

on the lives of residents in

the area.”.

Like to knowmore then contact:

Tel: (01527) 534007

www.redditchbc.gov.uk

Member’s News

16

Community

Lettings

transforms estateNew Charter’s lettings team took a different

approach to letting homes in one of its

Stalybridge neighbourhoods. Anti social

behaviour in the area meant many tenants had

become complacent and were not prepared to

tackle trouble.

The team decided to bring in seven new families

- all at the same time - to fill the voids on the estate.

On one Saturday, they held an an open day and invited all the prospective tenants to view their homes and meet

their new neighbours.The new tenants forged friendships even before they had moved in.

The open day was a great success and the new tenants really have injected a new lease of life into the estate.

� A new tenants’ group has been formed and it is working hard to make further changes to the estate and build

community spirit.

� CCTV has been installed to make residents feel safer.

� The local Tameside Sports Trust has organised youth activities.

� The once run down shop on the estate has been renovated and is now used regularly by the Neighbourhood

Management Officer to hold surgeries, Tenant Participation for meetings and events, and by Tameside

patrollers as a drop-in centre.The shop has also hosted a Halloween party for the children and was turned into

Santa’s grotto for Christmas.

The process was so successful it will be used again when more homes become available to let.

In June 2007, Southampton City Council teamed

together with the Police, Fire and Rescue Service and

Tony Moto MX Parks to run a pilot scheme for 14-17 year

olds.

The a programme included

� Health & Safety

� Anti-social behaviour

� Care for the environment

� Basic mechanics

� Vehicle law

� Motorcycle rider training

� Peer mentoring

� Employment opportunities

� Parental involvement

At a glance

� 13 young people were selected and 11 completed the

course

� All 11 either completed their Youth Achievement �

Awards during or soon after the course

� None of the young people offended whilst on the

project.

� Some of the young people may return to Tony Moto

Parks to train as marshals.

Off Road motorcycleprojectOff Road motorcycleproject

Member’s News

17

A second year of Respectin GatesheadDuring 2007 Safer Gateshead were involved in :-

� The completion of Safer Gateshead’s Respect Action

Plan.

� Gateshead Housing Company signed up to the

Respect Housing Management Standards, completed

a thorough review with its members who scrutinised

how anti-social behaviour is tackled in Gateshead and

areas for development.

� The production of an easy-to-use guide for all practi-

tioner agencies called “The Graded Response to ASB”

which was commended in the national Crown

Prosecution Service Newsletter.

� The launch of its

own Respect

Awards to

members of the

community who

had tackled anti-

social behaviour

effectively.

� The launch of its Anti-Social Behaviour Motorbiking

Strategy, with advice leaflets distributed to every

school in the borough.

� Setting up its own Family Intervention Project.

� Becoming a national pilot area for selective licensing

for private landlords

� Setting up a mediation service in Gateshead in

partnership with UNITE

� Receiving an award from the North East Youth Justice

Assembly for the DVD it produced for Gateshead

schools on ASB.

This year their priorities are to:-

� Develop better coordinated interventions at an earlier

stage to tackle ASB and linking this more effectively

to positive diversionary activities in line with the

anticipated Youth Taskforce Action Plan

� Link parenting work to tackling young people ASB

more effectively in a ‘family package’

� Expand the number of initiatives around community

payback and restorative justice work

Witnessesencouraged to

take a stand against ASBNewham Council and partner agencies have launched

an innovative charter designed to offer support to

people who are prepared to stand up in court against

crime and anti-social behaviour.

The NewhamWitness Charter sets out the minimum

standards of service people can expect from the

council, police and 23 partner agencies including most

of the housing associations with property in the

borough

Councillor Ian Corbett, said: "Neither the council, other

enforcement agencies nor residents can tackle anti-

social behaviour in isolation. It is only by working

together that we can make a difference.

"The willingness of witnesses to give evidence is vital in

detecting and prosecuting offenders, as well as

securing justice for the innocent.While the needs of

victims receive attention, witnesses do not get the

information or support they need.We all have to

provide the same level of service that gives people

confidence about taking a stand."

The charter includes a witness pack containing useful

contact numbers for reporting incidents, report logs

that allow people to record incidents and a guide that

explains court proceedings, what takes place, how you

can prepare and what happens afterwards.

Added Councillor Corbett: "Giving evidence in court is a

big step and one which takes courage.Those who do

deserve the best support we can give in the run up to

and after the court hearing, including protection

measures where required.They will receive advice,

reassurance, consideration for the inconvenience they

experience and our thanks."

So far 11 people have volunteered to share their

experiences and knowledge to support others and an

induction package to assist those volunteers is being

developed.

The witness charter and the Newham approach to

witness support has already attracted interest from the

Government who are keeping check to see if the model

could be adopted nation-wide.

Members News

18

Chemicallaboratory in flat

Thanks to police intelligence, Colchester Borough

Homes carried out a joint raid on a top floor flat

where it was believed dangerous chemicals were

being used and stored.

The raid also involved environmental health

officers, police, fire and a specialist drug and

chemical substance consultant.The tenant was

arrested and taken into custody for questioning.

The tenant had set up the chemical laboratory to

try to invent a new cleaning product. Although

the chemicals were, if mixed together extremely

dangerous, there was no evidence that any illegal

substances or bombs were being constructed and

the tenant was released from custody.

Colchester Borough Homes made an application

to the high court for an emergency interim

injunction to stop the tenant returning to the

property until a specialist company could remove

the large stock of extremely dangerous chemicals.

The injunction was awarded the same day and

served on the tenant at the police station.

With his solicitor, the tenant undertook not to

store any chemicals other than those used for

normal household cleaning, to pay £5.00 per

week to cover the cost of removing the chemicals

and to allow the housing officer to inspect the

property without prior appointment four times a

year.The Judge asked the Housing Manager and

the Council Solicitor to remain behind after the

hearing and made the following comments “You

acted very quickly and responsibly in making the

property and the other resident’s safe, in this very

unusual and dangerous case, well done”

The tenant is now working with Colchester

Borough Homes and with support his behaviour

is much improved.The interim injunction was

vital in securing a positive outcome in this case,

and with support from the housing team, the

tenant has sustained his tenancy and improved

his behaviour.

Co-operativeapproach with

elderly arsonistA co-operative approach in a complex case has seen South

Somerset Homes recover possession from a 70 year old repeat

arsonist who posed a significant risk to himself and to his

elderly neighbours.The tenant was successfully re-housed in

secure accommodation ensuring he is now able to receive the

specialist care he requires.

The tenant’s house, near Yeovil, had been deliberately set on

fire on three separate occasions resulting in him having to be

rescued from the building. His bedridden next door

neighbour also had to be evacuated for her own safety.The

tenant had also threatened several of his neighbours and had

allowed the premises to fall into an uninhabitable condition.

Following the third fire the tenant was sectioned to allow his

mental health condition to be properly assessed. However,

South Somerset Homes were informed that despite concerns

about the tenant’s ability to look after himself, he could be

released from hospital within days.They decided to apply for

an emergency interim injunction and exclusion order to

protect the tenant’s neighbours and also made submissions to

the Mental Health Review Tribunal explaining why general

accommodation was not suitable for the tenant’s needs.

Following submissions the Court granted an emergency

Injunction the day before the Mental Health Review Tribunal

hearing. Partially due to the presence of this Injunction and

the submissions, the Tribunal decided that the tenant was not

sufficiently well to be able to return to his home.

A notice seeking possession of the property was issued at the

end of July 2007.The tenant’s mental health issues meant that

he had to be represented by Shelter on behalf of the Official

Solicitor.

By adopting co-operative approach the best outcome was

obtained to protect both the tenant, his neighbours, the

property and staff.

It resulted in the association recovering possession with the

consent of the other parties and the tenant has now been

permanently housed in secure accommodation where he is

able to receive the specialist care that he needs.

Like to knowmore then contact:

Barbara Colby 01935 404641

Member’s News

Turning peoples’lives around

Hostel residents of South Essex Homes, Louise Jowett, 24

and MatthewWhitehair 28, have shared their experiences

and feelings about how the new tenancy sustainment

course has turned their lives around. The four week

tailored course has been introduced by the South Essex

Homes Hostel Team with Southend Adult Community

College to address the underlying problems that cause

residents to become homeless in the first instance.

Matthew and Louise, who are also expecting a baby next

summer, attended the course whilst staying in one of

South Essex Homes hostels where they have been for

two months, whilst currently awaiting to move into

permanent accommodation.

Matthew said “At first I thought the course was not for

me and I was very resistant as I didn’t think it was

anything new, but after only two days I wanted to go

back and felt I was really getting something out of

attending. I left school at 14, with little education and for

the first time recently, I felt really proud when completing

a job application form and I could include the qualifi-

cations I have achieved. I recently completed a City &

Guilds course as a result of attending the tenancy

sustainment course and it has really opened my eyes to

what education and other opportunities are on offer. It

has given me the extra added incentive to go out there

and make a difference to mine and my family’s lives.

I have been asked to go and speak to other young

people who are starting the course and share my

positive experiences with them. I have been through

hard times like others and I want to share what has been

the best opportunity given to me in a long time.“

He added “We would really like to say thank all those

involved for all their help completing the course and

encouraging me to attend. It really has turned our lives

around and we can make a new start for our new baby”.

Louise added;“The course opened other avenues for me

and I am looking into starting volunteer work which will

hopefully lead to other paid employment. We will both

be looking into doing further courses, especially one that

will develop our CV’s. I think every single person that

attended the course walked away with something

positive - those that may have had a low incentive to do

anything and showed resistance have changed.“

18

Camera tacklesgraffiti

Thanks to video surveillance equipment in an empty

flat the block in Sheffield, four youths were identified

daubing graffiti and causing criminal damage. The

evidence was shared with South Yorkshire Police, and as

a result the four were arrested. Two were charged with

Criminal Damage and fined through Court, and the

others received a final warning and a caution.

The youths were referred to Youth Offending Team

Services and were issued with direct reparation orders.

This means they will have to put right what they have

done wrong in the community. At the start of

February, they painted,

removed graffiti and

cleaned the block on

Dyche Lane.

Before the camera was

installed, the walls of the

communal area were

painted and within a few days the graffiti started to

reappear. Prior to this, NeighbourhoodWardens and

Estate Officers had reported groups of youths, graffiti

and litter. Each resident of the block was visited,

however no one

was willing to act

as a witnesses.

Like to knowmore then contact:

Lynsey Stephenson 01702 236112

Like to knowmore then contact:

Kerri Smith 0114 2053333

kerri.smith@sheffieldhomes.org.uk

Member’s News

20

Child Safety Orders- hit or miss

This article relates the experience of the City & County

of Swansea Council in obtaining a Child Safety Order

against a family with a nine year old child who was

perpetrating extreme anti-social behaviour.

Child Safety Order

Under Section 11 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998,

the Magistrates Court may make a Child Safety Order

(CSO) in respect to a child under the age of 10 on the

application of a Local Authority, if it is satisfied that one

or more of the conditions set out are met. The aim of

the CSO is to place the child for a specified period not

exceeding 12 months under the supervision of a

responsible officer and requires the child to comply

with such requirements that are specified.

Before making a CSO, a Magistrates Court must obtain

and consider information about the child’s family

circumstances and the likely effect of the order on

those circumstances.

The Court must explain to the parent or guardian of the

child in ordinary language the effect of the order and

the requirements proposed to be included in it.

The consequence if the child fails to comply with any

such requirement is that the Court has power to review

the order on the application of either the parent or

guardian or responsible officer.

When the Act was passed, a breach of the CSO would

make it possible for a Care Order under Section 31(1)(a)

of the Children Act 1989 to be made. The other breach

provision was in respect of simply varying the order.

However, in March 2005 s12 (6) of the 1998 Act was

repealed and any real enforcement mechanism for a

CSO was removed. The remedy for a breach of the

supporting Parent Order remains a fine.

The proceedings in respect of a CSO are Family

Proceedings and the standard proof is a civil standard.

Previously untried procedure

This seemingly previously untried procedure appeared

to the City and County of Swansea to be the only way

to deal with a nine year old, whose single parent

seemed unable or unwilling to control his behaviour

which was causing serious anti-social behaviour

problems on an estate where the majority of the

residents were Council tenants.This family in fact were

living in privately rented accommodation.

The Social Services Department were not seeking a

Care Order so it fell to the Housing Department to take

the initiative to try and provide relief for residents from

behaviour which included verbal and physical abuse

and criminal damage.

CSO and Parenting Orders obtained

The action was commenced in November 2006 and the

initial interim CSO and Parenting Orders were obtained

in March 2007, but only after the District Judge (DJ),

ordered a Guardian for the child , a s37 report (CA 1989)

from Social Services and a report from an Educational

Psychologist.

The evidence to support the application was not

contested and there was never any legal challenge as to

whether the required criteria had been met in order to

allow the Court to make the order. Even so the

procedure seemed to generate a lot of work and the

process seemed to take forever. Of major significance

was justifying the cost in the face of opposition from

the Guardian and the DJ, both of whom favoured a Care

Order. It was, however, the only procedure that seemed

to offer a remedy to the particular problem and

address both the needs of the child and that of the

community especially with a mother who said “yes”but

did no.

Eventually in August 2007 a final CSO for 6 months was

obtained, only a month away from the child’s 10th

birthday.

Now he is 10 there is little doubt this child will soon be

back before the court, be it for an ASBO or on criminal

charges.

Would we do it all again?

In summary, the repeal of Section 12 s.s. (6) is a real

problem - would we do it all again? - Probably not.

Lyndsay Thomas Senior Lawyer

City & County of Swansea Council

Tel: 01792 636194 Fax: 01792 637477

Member’s News

21

From ASBI to ASBOA resident from theWigan area has been sentenced to

five months in prison for breaching an ASB Injunction.

Additionally, he was made the subject of an ASBO.

Wigan and Leigh Housing obtained the injunction after

taking action against a tenant for noise nuisance and

general rowdiness. This prompted the tenant’s partner to

threaten the main witness and damage her property. On

hearing this and collating the appropriate evidence an

ASBI was sought o protect the witnesses. An ASBI was

granted for a period of 12 months with the power of

arrest and an exclusion zone attached.

The defendant then went on to breach the order on four

occasions by both being within the exclusion zone and

more seriously by smashing the witness’s kitchen

window and then by threatening another resident.

He was arrested in December 2007 and the case was

transferred to Liverpool County Court. Due to the

greater sentencing options available in the criminal

courts, the fact that the defendant was already in the

criminal system before the initial ASBI, the association

sought to attach an application for an ASBO on to the

committal proceedings.

This application was heard at the same hearing as the

committal proceedings and the defendant was

sentenced for the breaches of the Injunction, and

granted the application for the ASBO in similar terms to

the ASBI for 2 years. The ASBO now excludes the

defendant from entering Ashton in Makerfield where he

was living before

the action was

taken.

All help refusedAnthony Collins Solicitors acted for the Vale Housing

Association on an injunction against a defendant who was

engaging in anti-social behaviour. This included him shouting

at cars and pedestrians. He was heavily dependent upon

alcohol, his behaviour was scaring to children and he had

been aggressive towards a neighbour.

The injunction claim was heard and the defendant did not

attend. The Judge agreed to make an Injunction Order for

two months with a return date a few days later to allow the

defendant to seek legal advice. He directed that the claimant

make all possible attempts to arrange for the defendant to

attend and for Social Services to attend with him. Social

Services were not prepared to be involved as he had refused

support previously. At the hearing the defendant was not

legally represented and an Injunction was made to last until

July 2008 together with a Power of Arrest (on the non-violence

clause). The Judge also made a costs order against him not to

be enforced without a consideration of the defendant’s

financial means.

Vale Housing went to great lengths to ensure that all avenues

of support were pursued but the defendant had refused them

all. Therefore the Judge found that it was reasonable to make

an Injunction Order.

Order variedAnthony Collins Solicitors represented Oxford

Citizens HA against a tenant who had been made

subject to a order for possession in November 2006.

An application was made to vary the suspended

possession order to an outright order due to anti-

social behaviour. This behaviour had largely ceased

by the hearing but it was found that that housing

benefit had been stopped due to fraudulently

claims. In addition there was arrears of £3,500 with

no prospect of them being reduced.

Representations were made that the order should

be varied for the following reasons:-

� The Anti-Social Behaviour;

� Repayment of the arrears would be unrealistic as

they would have to be at a minimum of £10 per

week to be paid off within 6 years.

� The evidence suggested that the Defendant was

not living at the Property.

The Judge ruled that the suspended possession

order be varied to an outright order and that the

defendant pay the claimant’s costs. He considered

that it was not within the defendants ability to be

able to repay the amount owed and noted he had

not attended the hearing to put forward any

defence to the allegations of anti-social behaviour.

Like to knowmore then contact:

Kev Ashcroft 01942 486845

Kevin.Ashcroft@walh.co.uk

Like to knowmore then contact:

Jane Plant 0121-212-7455

22

Make sure that you shareyour news with usThis is your newsletter and why not ensure that you

share your news on how your organisation is handling

many of the complex issues of anti-social behaviour.

Why not tell us about your new innovations, your

success stories, feedback from your communities - just

to name a few.

What we need is:-

� Articles, ideally around 200 to 300 words in length

� High quality copy of your logo (If you are not sure or

speak to the person who handles your publicity)

� Photographs, where applicable, that support your

articles. Any photographs need to be high quality to

ensure they can be reproduced.

� You contact details if you would like other members

to be able to contact you for more details.

Next Issue & Deadline

The next issue will be distributed by the 1st June.

The deadline for all articles is 20th March - items

received after this date are unlikely to be included.

Due to space restrictions, articles received early will take

priority. Please email articles, logos and photographs

to:-

sharon@slcng.org.uk

The information, opinions and conclusions expressed in Nuisance News are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent those of the Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group Ltd

Editorialservices,designandartworkbyGlennMarketing01215557319

Dates for your diaries.....

Regional MeetingsMidlands

Wednesday 9th April 2008 –Wrekin

Housing Trust

Tuesday 22nd July 2008 – Nuneaton &

Bedworth BC

Wednesday 22nd October 2008 –

Charnwood BC – To be confirmed.

SouthWest / SouthWales

Thursday 10th April 2008 - Teign Housing

Newton Abbott

Wednesday 9th July 2008 - Venue to be

confirmed

Wednesday 5th November 2008 - Venue

to be confirmed

Southern – London

Wednesday 16th April 2008 – Friends

Meeting House – Euston Road

Wednesday 2nd July 2008 – Friends

Meeting House – Euston Road

Wednesday 1st October 2008 – Friends

Meeting House – Euston Road

NorthWest / NorthWales

Wednesday 23rd April 2008 – Calico

Housing,Bury

Wednesday 16th July 2008 – Northern

Counties HA

Wednesday 15th October 2008 – Helena

Housing

Getting your stories in

nuisance newsThe majority of the news and information in

Nuisance News comes from our members. We

receive more articles than we have room to

publish and some members have asked why their

stories were not included or were sub-edited.

Little or changes

The large proportion of the news that we

receive is well written and follows the

traditional press release approach. The whole

story is to summarised it in the first two sentences with the

most important parts stressed. In just a paragraph, it answers who,

what, when,where, why and how.

Then, the news story is developed within the following paragraphs

and tends to be around 250 to 300 words Many are accompanied by

a well constructed and taken photograph

The others

In contrast, we receive news items that give headaches both to us and

our editorial designers. Some either give a chronological date order of

what happened when or fail to give the key facts to the story.

Why not ask for help?

Many of our members have press or public relations officers who can

help to bring a story alive.

If you do not have access to specialist help, then take a look at you

daily or evening newspaper and see how a complex story in written in

an easy to read and understandable style.

nuisance newsThe quarterly newsletter of the Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group

Issue 44 Dec 2007

This issue includes articles fromthe following:-Boston MayflowerBowlee Park HousingBromford HG

CalicoCambridge CouncilChelmer Housing Partnership

Colchester Borough HomesCross Keys HomesDepartment for Children, Schoolsand FamiliesENCAMS

Erimus HousingGentoo SunderlandHarvest HGHome Office

Homes for IslingtonHammersmith & Fulham HomesLeasowe Community Homes

Leeds Federated HALocal Government AssociationMansfield DC

Maritime HANew Progress HANottingham Community Housing

Partington HAPoplar HARCARedditch BCSheffield HomesSolihull Community Housing

South Essex HomesSouth Liverpool HousingSovereign HAStockport HomesThree Valleys HousingWhiteheads SolicitorsWillow Part Housing Trust

This issue

ocial LandlordsCrime and Nuisance Group

New partnership withmajor software companyGreat news for all ourmembers, we haveanother partner onboard, ElectronicBusiness Systems Ltd(EBS).

EBS is a majorsoftware companythat developed

ReACT, the awardwinning dedicatedanti social behaviourrecording,monitoring and case management database used by many of our members.

We have worked with EBS for a number of years and the new partnership will

ensure the continuing development of the ReACT software. We will provide

expert advice and guidance on the latest developments in ASB. This will

benefit both existing and potential users by ensuring accurate compilation of

the data requirements of the Performance Improvement Toolkit for the

Respect Standard for Housing Management.EBS will provide the latest news for Nuisance News and give advice on

software developments. It will also actively sponsor our Group to its existing

clients at exhibitions and conferences where we do not have a major

presence.The agreement was signed at the National Housing Federation Annual

Conference and Exhibition held at the ICC in Birmingham.

If you would like to know more about ReACT, then please see the

advertisement on the back page or visit www.e-b-s.co.uk

Pictured are Roger Griffiths,Chairman SLCNG, and Mike Blomer, ReACT, with the

agreement. Looking on are Chris Powell ReACT, Peter Jackson, Managing Director

SLCNG, Steve Macartney, ReACT

SLCNG News

Our Sponsor

23

New Developments inFamily Intervention

Background

Family Intervention Projects (FIPs) were introduced in

2003 as a way of providing intensive support to families

who were causing significant anti-social behaviour in

their communities. A number of ‘pathfinder’ projects

were launched to test the principles underlying family

intervention and these projects have shown

demonstrable benefits. The initial areas were

� Sheffield

� Manchester

� Bolton

� Salford

� Oldham

� Blackburn & Darwen

Following the ‘pathfinders’’ experiences FIPs are now

being rolled out on a much wider basis and may well

become part of the mainstream responses to ASB.

They are designed around the specific needs of a

particular family and a key worker is assigned to ensure

the family is dealt with consistently and who acts as an

interface between the family and other service

providers.This worker makes written agreements with

the family members which, if broken, are punishable by

sanctions.

The form of intervention depends on the needs of the

family and is either based on ‘outreach’ or residential

support. Latest developments – the FITs

A key issue surrounding the Family Intervention

Projects was the concern about the type of tenancy the

family would have and new provisions in the Housing

and Regeneration Bill, published this month, address

this.

One of the key problems was moving tenants between

properties especially where there were different types

of tenure in place.

The Government has committed to legislate to give

social landlords the ability to offer tenancies that are

neither secure (local authorities) or assured (RSLs)

without having to grapple with complex allocations

procedures.

These new voluntary tenancies will be known as Family

Intervention Tenancies or FITs.

These FITs will be non-secure and will be granted to

families whose behaviour has been sufficient to warrant

possession proceedings. Families that successfully

complete the programme, however, will be offered

more security of tenure when they move from the FIP

into other accommodation.

But what about families that do not engage?

It is likely that such families will not be tolerated and

will risk being evicted from such accommodation with

the landlord issuing a Notice to Quit (28 days) and

obtaining a Court order for eviction.

Clearly this will be the very last resort and it is expected

that the threat of eviction is likely to act as a deterrent

from committing anti-social behaviour.

One key difference that should be borne in mind is the

fact that Local Authority tenants will have a right to a

review within 14 days if their landlord decides to

terminate the FIT.This will not be the case for RSL

tenants.

Please get in touch if you have any queries.

Tel: 01257 266008 Fax: 01257 249704

info@whiteheadsols.co.uk

Whiteheads Solicitors was

established in 1992 by Peter

Whitehead as one of the first

legal practices in the UK to

specialise solely in Social

Housing law.

Prior to founding the firm,

Peter, who is currently the

firm's Principal, was a partner at one of Manchester's

top generalist law firms before he decided to

dedicate his time to growing a business that

specialised in housing law.

Whiteheads is a specialist firm dedicated to serving

the Social Housing community. It has over 14 years'

experience of working with social landlords, local

authorities and police forces across the UK providing

the best service and expertise available.