Council plays it safe this Summer!

St Helens Council has pledged to make the borough a safer place this summer.

Along with Merseyside Police and other agencies making up the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP), the Council has vowed to clamp down on anti-social behaviour.

St Helens referee Chris Foy kicked off a football-themed summer campaign as he showed anti-social behaviour the red card before taking charge of this year's FA Cup final.

But as the World Cup unfolds - bringing its own problems of over-indulgence and domestic violence - the Council says it is determined to tackle anti-social issues throughout the tournament and beyond.

Councillor Susan Murphy, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Safer Communities and Youth, said: "We recently distributed our ASB Pledge to residents, which outlines the standard of service they can expect.

"We're working with our partner agencies throughout the summer to ensure we tackle anti-social behaviour, and uphold our Pledge to our Community. "

Measures being introduced include high-visibility policing patrols in parks and open spaces - including the Dream site, The Duckeries, Taylor Park, Sherdley Park, Queens Park, Clinkham Wood, King George Park and Mesnes Park. The council's Environmental Wardens and Park Rangers will also continue to patrol these locations to ensure they are kept clean and safe.

And, in addition to the Council's 'Nothing to do? Think Again' programme of activities during the school holidays, our partner agencies will be providing free activities throughout the borough for young people during the lighter nights - especially at weekends - as an alternative to hanging around on the streets where some young people may potentially become involved in anti-social behaviour.

Last year's summer campaign in July and August was a winner for local residents - with anti-social problems down 14 per cent from 2008 with 237 less incidents reported.

"Everyone has a part to play in making this year's campaign a success," said Councillor Murphy, "and we can all help show the red card to anti-social behaviour by reporting any incident to the police."

Chief Inspector Mike Constantine pledged: "The police are determined that all parks and open spaces in St. Helens will be places where residents and visitors can enjoy themselves safe in the knowledge that they are free from any form of anti-social behaviour.

"We're proud of the reductions in anti-social behaviour we've achieved with our partners, and will continue our robust work to drive down behaviour which stops law abiding citizens from enjoying themselves in our excellent places of recreation."

Are you having problems? Don't suffer in silence - contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 6010.