Say no to Anti Social Behaviour

Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) can ruin lives and devastate communities through the impact it has on an individual’s health and well-being. Nearly half the UK population say ASB is a problem where they live, and more than half of those who had been a victim of ASB did not report it to anyone.

As a local resident who regularly experiences unacceptable levels of ASB I find it a welcome boost to know that an established national charity like Neighbourhood Watch is currently highlighting this as a serious nationwide problem. Their recently announced campaign “SAY NO TO ASB”, encourages victims towards positive action and reporting, rather than suffering in silence.

The campaign literature provides helpful information about the broad nature of ASB, many aspects of which may be surprising inclusions under the heading. For instance, the proliferation of wheelie bins on our streets is a safety hazard for pedestrians, an eyesore which generates an accumulation of rubbish and vermin, and contributes to the visual deterioration of many neighbourhoods.

This in turn invites crime and even more ASB - a familiar vicious cycle for many. Dumping rubbish in this way is classed as Environmental ASB and blights neighbourhoods.

Belonging to Neighbourhood Watch has many benefits and it is free to join as an individual concerned about your community. Find out (via their website, www.ourwatch. if there is an established local group nearby. If there are none it is also easy to set up a group to provide support for friends and neighbours and help build safer, stronger and more active communities in which people can thrive.

A concerned community member.