Trouble-makers warned in residents' pact (From Wirral Globe)

Trouble-makers warned in residents' pact

12:10pm Friday 29th June 2012 in News By Geoff Barnes

PEACE-loving residents in a down-town Birkenhead street have sent out a strong message to trouble-makers that their disruptive behavior will no longer be tolerated.

People in Menai Street have signed a pact with Wirral Council, the police and local housing association designed to force anti-social offenders to mend their ways – or face the consequences.

It was put together in the aftermath of enforcement action taken against some residents who were making other people’s lives a misery with their anti-social behavior including drunkenness, loud music and fighting.

Those responsible were either evicted, issued with a formal warning, or given Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions forbidding them from entering the street.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "We have reclaimed the street. Our street is now a place you can live."

Cllr George Davies, Wirral Council cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: "What has happened in Menai Street is a perfect example of what communities can achieve when they pull together themselves and join forces with the authorities to tackle a problem.

"The residents who have signed the Good Neighbourhood Agreement should be applauded for the great tenacity and courage they have shown in taking a stand against this anti-social element."

Wirral's Anti-Social Behaviour Team worked closely with Merseyside Police, Regenda Housing Association and residents from Menai Street to deal with the individuals identified as being a problem.

Merseyside Police focused attention on Menai Street and evidence from call logs and arrests was used as action in anti-social behaviour proceedings.

Regenda warned two of their tenants and applied for an Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction which banned a male visitor responsible for a significant amount of anti-social behaviour at one of their properties from visiting Menai Street.

The man subsequently breached his injunction and has gone back before the courts, receiving a fine and a custodial sentence.

He is currently subject to a suspended prison sentence.

Some of the perpetrators lived at or visited private rented properties.

Wirral Anti-Social Behaviour Team interviewed and warned private tenants about their behaviour and also liaised with and supported private landlords to evict a couple of residents whose behaviour was unacceptable.

After the enforcement action, residents were consulted about developing a Good Neighbourhood Agreement for Menai Street and most were happy to sign up.

Although it is voluntary and not a legal document the agreement helps educate and create accountability by explaining what residents feel is unacceptable and the consequences if they or their visitors act anti-socially.

The agreement also advises residents what to do and how to complain if they suffer from anti-social behavior.

Anyone experiencing anti-social behaviour can call Merseyside Police on the new non-emergency telephone number 101, or 999 in an emergency.

People can also report anti-social behaviour to Wirral Anti-Social Behaviour Team on 606 2020.