27th July 2007, 07/252
Countryside patrols to nip anti social behaviour in the
bud
'Don't cause trouble in our countryside because we're watching' is
the message from West Lancashire District Council as it starts
summer patrols.
As part of the third annual 'Summer Nights' campaign to tackle
nuisance behaviour and drink related problems, West Lancashire
District Council has joined forces with the police to target
hotspot green sites that most attract trouble during the warmer
weather.
So late evening patrols will be taking place at the Council's
various woodlands and wetlands sites in a bid to stamp out anti
social behaviour.
The Countryside Rangers, Dog Enforcement Officers, Street Scene
Officers and Police Community Support Officers will be regularly
walking around countryside in the evenings when nuisance behaviour
is likely to occur to nip any problems in the bud.
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays are the peak times for anti social
behaviour, which is when the majority of the patrols are taking
place. It is envisaged that the presence of officers in authority
will deter would be troublemakers.
Cllr David Westley, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said:
"The safety of our residents is of paramount importance to us and
we know from previous years that they feel more reassured when our
officers and the police are patrolling the countryside. We want
people to be able to enjoy our beautiful countryside during the
warmer months, which is why their presence at our sites is crucial.
We also hope it will also deter offenders who are thinking about
committing anti social behaviour and spoiling our
environment.
"The initiative is also aimed at stopping any dog fouling offences
and fly tipping in a bid to keep our district clean, green and safe
because after office hours is when some of the offences
occur."
This latest intervention is part of Summer Nights, which is being
run for the third year across the whole of Lancashire to tackle
drink-related anti-social problems and is being supported by the
West Lancashire Community Safety Partnership (of which the District
Council is the lead agency).
The launch of this educational awareness campaign once again should
help to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour and increase
community reassurance.
The District Council is backing the drive to curb these offences
and is supporting the work of Lancashire Constabulary and other
organisations.
Related information
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