New crackdown on anti social youths on Newport estate (From South Wales Argus)

New crackdown on anti social youths on Broadmead and Moorland Parks, Newport

1:49pm Sunday 27th January 2013 in News By Natalie Crockett

TEN young people on a Newport estate have been issued behavioural contracts to help prevent anti-social behaviour plaguing the area once again.

The youths aged between 15 and 22 have been spoken to by police and Newport City Homes workers who are working together to tackle increasing nuisance in the Broadmead and Moorland Park area.

The acceptable behaviour contracts have been issued following meetings with the youngsters in order to address problems before they escalate and requires legal intervention.

The contract is an informal agreement made with an individual regarding expected behaviours, stating legal action could taken should problems continue or be repeated.

Examples of terms could be - I will ensure that I will not cause nuisance and annoyance to other residents in the vicinity or I will not congregate around any communal area around the blocks of flats.

Broadmead and Moorland has been identified by NCH as a "neighbourhood action area" and work in the area is a priority for its community regeneration and neighbourhoods teams.

Following feedback from residents NCH has increased caretaker patrols to reduce litter and fly-tipping, removed graffiti, organised regular walkabouts with residents, police and the fire brigade to identify issue and installed cameras in all communal apartment blocks.

Two anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) have been issued and one tenancy demotion has been served.

Incidents are now reported via a newsletter, numerous events have been held to boost community spirit and projects have started in three schools to warn againts fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.

Strong links have been established with Newport East Community Centre to provide activities for children to get them off the streets.

As a result calls to police for such incidents are down 18 per cent compared to this time last year – which amounts to 150 less incidents.

Local councillor Allan Morris said he was determined the estate would not return to the "no-go " area it was eight years ago when delivery companies were afraid to drive in and emergency services vehicles were routinely attacked.

He said since residents had had the courage to "name and shame" culprits the atmosphere had changed dramatically.

He said: "The best way to prevent it happening again is to put it in the hands of the decent residents. Only a tiny minority are causing the problems and parents must understand if they must control their youngsters or leave the estate."