People in Thanet willing to go to court as witnesses and help the fight against anti-social behaviour are to get extra help. For the first time, victims taking a stand in the Magistrates Courts against offenders whose anti-social behaviour is blighting communities will be helped by Victim Support services in 87 priority areas including Thanet.
Almost £2.8 million over the next two years for a network of victims and witness champions to be set up in priority areas across the country. This will include support in court proceedings, offering someone to accompany the witness when they give evidence and providing follow-up assistance when the court case is over.
The Home Secretary has also outlined today that he is also to take steps to ensure ASBO breaches are dealt with robustly through the courts as a matter of course.
South Thanet MP, Stephen Ladyman, said:
“This is good news for local communities troubled by anti-social behaviour and it is particularly good news that the needs of Thanet have been recognized and prioritised.”
“The government wants to see both police and local partners using the powers they have been given in a way that is effective and responds to peoples’ needs at the right time. That is why the authorities in Thanet will also be offered a visit from an ASB Delivery Expert in the next three months to help identify problems and, where needed, deploy the ASB Action Squad to help drive up performance”
“Thanet was chosen because it is an area where more than a quarter of local people are worried that anti-social behaviour is a problem. The figures show that we are winning the battle little by little and this latest announcement is yet more real help where it is needed most.”
Note to editors:
More info at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news/more-local-action-on-asb
Or contact
Dr Stephen Ladyman
MP for South Thanet
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA
Tel: 01843 852696
Fax: 01843 852689
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