'We deserve an end to anti-social behaviour'

5th November 2002

During the last five years the Government has invested record amounts of money in key public services such as health, crime and education. These issues matter much to people because the quality of public services will affect the chances that many can expect to have in life. But, it is also important to remember that quality of life is pretty much determined by our neighbours. Anti-social behaviour is the enemy of respect and co-operation. It's not something confined to the North East - this is the case for people up and down the country.

Most people do respect their local communities and want the Borough to achieve achieve our potential, as highlighted in the Comedia Report. We share an understanding of expectations of what is reasonable behaviour and that all of us have responsibilities to each other. Anti-social behaviour manifests itself in a number of ways and that is a real problem. There is no quick fix, but a huge challenge to Government and to us as citizens. My view is that it's a challenge we must meet.

Anti-social behaviour prevents communities and neighbourhoods from enjoying a decent quality of life that they are entitled to. It can cause stress and anxiety. It can even force people to leave the houses they have made 'home'. Low-level aggression makes people feel unsafe in their own streets. Although crime has fallen, fear of crime still remains. Vandalism, fly-tipping and abandoned cars all leave communities untidy. Truancy takes children out of the classroom and leaves them free to roam the streets. It puts their safety and the safety of others at risk.

One of the biggest problems I've come across in my time as MP, is that of unruly neighbours. It doesn't take much to become a nuisance, but I receive a lot of letters from constituents with terrible stories to tell. It's been my view for some time that we need to turn the law more in favour of the innocent and law-abiding majority and allow the authorities to intervene. Even low-levels of anti-social behaviour, if left unchecked can often lead to increased crime. Anti-social behaviour damages communities time and time again.

The Queen's Speech to Parliament is an important occasion. Ignoring all the pomp and glitz, the Government's plans and legislative intentions are mapped out for the next 12 months. This year's Queen's Speech is due to be given to Parliament next week. Thankfully it will see the Government put forward a number of proposals to crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

The proposals aim to give local people a greater say and better rights to stop the deterioration of their quality of life. Some of proposals if introduced, will include giving people in local communities the power to apply free of charge to magistrates asking them to issue orders to clean up litter in local spaces. Applications for orders might be made by e-mail or telephone. Local councils would be allowed to set the levels of fine and keep the revenue for local use as well. It may be also be possible that spray paints and the like which are often used to graffiti would not be sold to those under 18 and shops that ignore this fined substantially as well. In addition, some businesses that do not have a licence to distribute free flyers to homes could be fined as well.

Some of reasons why a minority of people commit anti-social are difficult and are not straightforward. I believe that people should be given opportunities to lead a productive and considerate lifestyle to others. However, when those opportunities are spurned, and abuses of trust take place, then it shouldn't be tolerated. These proposals are all about ensuring the law-abiding majority don't suffer from the needless actions of a minority. There is no easy answer and it takes time to turn behaviour around. However I am sure the Government's plans will go some way to improving the quality of life for the peaceful and law-abiding majority of us in South Tyneside.