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March 29th 2024

City Takes Action Against Anti Social Behaviour

Councillor Phil Bateman said " Anti Social Behaviour is a problem in Wednesfield, that cannot be denied, I witnessed this on Friday..see the section Police and Crime. But there are also actions being taken by the Authority, to combat these people who do so much to reduce the quality of life of our community."
Because of Confidentiality I cannot go into the cases in detail, but I can give a very broad brush of the actions that the City Council is taking with a variety of offenders here in Wednesfield Village.

An Anti-social behaviour Injunction was obtained two weeks ago against a Wednesfield woman . She had been playing amplified music quite loudly in the early hours. The judge imposed an order for one year, and proof of subsequent breach, could lead to imprisonment or a hefty fine. Witnesses included 3 housing officers, out-of-hours Environmental Services officer, and crucially a resident.
Possession papers have also been lodged with the court to evict another tenant. There have been a lot of nuisance occurring at a flat, and a lot of statements have been gathered from 2 police officers, 3 housing officers, and residents. This case will obviously be followed.

Tenancy Demotion order papers have been lodged at court for yet another tenant. It has been decided that Demotion rather than eviction would be the best course of action, thereafter if there are further problems the City would be able to evict without relying on the judiciary to make that decision. This is giving this particular tenant a final chance to mend his ways with regards to his behaviour and to control the behaviour of his friends and visitors. There are 3 residents who are prepared to come to court as live witnesses - which is extremely rare. I commend them for being so community spirited.

In another case of antis Social Behaviour there is a non criminal arrangement in hand with regard to a youth who had previously signed an 'Acceptable Behaviour Contract' (ABC) because of his behaviour nuisance around school grounds.

Excellent liaison with the Police has allowed a monitoring process to take place and this 'non-legal' contract is closely being watched as a way to induce better behaviour. The lad with his parents, have been interviewed again quite recently.

Just to advise you, 2 other ABC's have been signed following low level nuisance at Ashmore Park recently .

Four ASBO's were also obtained at the end of 2005 against four persons- all of whom were causing mayhem in parts of Wednesfield. Since the ASBO's were given there have been no further complaints regarding further incidents, and life seems to be significantly quieter for local residents. The conditions/prohibitions of these Anti-social behaviour orders still apply.

Officers and an Estate Manager attended a meeting at a primary school, regarding nuisance gangs who were gathering outside residencies. At that meeting they handed out 30 letters to 'attending' residents asking them to supply information of any further nuisance incidents.

Anonymity was guaranteed and officers have now had a follow up meeting and the level of information will determine whether they can take action. The four Anti-social behaviour co-ordinators have been busy with training Housing staff, writing and updating procedures, and creating a Witness Protection Package. This is available to all witnesses who will help with civil ASB cases.

As you can see there is plenty of support being given to residents and individuals by the City Council team here in Wednesfield. I as a Local Councillor support their actions entirely."

Author: Phil Bateman

Article Date: 17th December 2006