Newark Advertiser reader letters: Serious business of tackling bad behaviour

In response to Johno Lee’s letter ‘Is reality different to data?’ The data which is showing a really significant reduction over the last year is compiled by Nottinghamshire Police.

This data has been the official measure of anti-social behaviour and up until now has never been disputed.

When I took over the portfolio for public protection and community relations there was a massive problem of anti-social behaviour in Newark town centre.

It was one of the biggest issues in the local elections when the Tories lost control of the district council.

There is, however, still more to be done. We will continue to keep the pressure on to keep this in a downward trajectory. We will also continue our report it campaign.

We have achieved this success so far by ensuring a lot of proactive hard work. This includes:

• Setting up a multi-agency ASB partnership that meets regularly.

• Doubling the number of community protection officers

• Programme of renewing our CCTV cameras

• Delivering Public Space Protection Orders

• Take out court injunctions against a number of people as well as giving out a number of Acceptable Behaviour Orders.

• A major drive on anti-social behaviour in Balderton delivering an 80% reduction in ASB.

It is fair to note that almost all the work we have delivered in Balderton to address issues in partnership with Balderton parish council has been opposed by Tory coucillor Johno Lee.

Councillor Lee can continue playing party politics with anti-social behaviour but we will just continue to keep working to protect the people of Newark and Sherwood.

We will keep doing the work and leave Councillor Lee to play his petty games. — Paul Taylor, cabinet member for public protection and community relations, Newark and Sherwood District Council.