What exactly is being done to combat anti-social behaviour?

In 2009/2010 there were 28 successful prosecutions including; 10 littering offences, 8 fly-tipping offences, 2 failure to comply offences, 1 nuisance parking, and 7 other miscellaneous offences.

There were also 255 Fixed Penalty Notices issued for environmental offences; 223 for littering, and 32 for other environmental offences. This figure compared to just 32 issued in 2008/2009.

Environmental Protection Officers are also cracking down on noise pollution having served four Noise abatement notices, with two prosecutions undertaken (for noise nuisance including seizing equipment). The majority of cases are dealt with utilising warning letters, review of diary sheets and noise monitoring using equipment or visits.

Enforcement of fly-tipping offence has increased and figures show a positive impact with a 20% reduction in the amount of fly-tipping detected over the last year.

The employment of two Anti-Social Behaviour Case Workers is proving to have a positive impact with the first Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) case referred to legal Services recently. Two further cases are under investigation which are likely to lead to ASBO applications. They have also been involved in issuing five Acceptable Behaviour Contracts and five Youth Inclusion Support Project referrals with the Community Protection Officer's. The Council has also just been successful in securing its first Drinks Banning Order.

The Council and other authorities will offer support to those who are becoming involved in anti-social behaviour, however, in line with the recently ratified Anti-Social Behaviour strategy, a zero tolerance approach will be taken against those individuals or families refuse to engage with the help available.

Anti-social behaviour is being taken very seriously and the Council continue to work in partnership to effectively reduce the number of incidents within Ashfield.