WEST NORWICH: Taking a stand against the yobs

Taking a stand against the yobs

More than a hundred people have signed up to a pioneering scheme which will see communities take a stand against vandals and anti-social behaviour by joining forces to combat crime.

A Street Leaders' Network scheme has been launched in west Norwich, covering lower Hellesdon, Earlham, Larkman and Marlpit aiming to tackle problems.

The initiative works by having representatives from the area who are responsible for reporting issues of concern such as litter, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour and more than a hundred people have already signed up to be street leaders.

Stephanie Clark, 41, of Ranworth Road, one of the new leaders, said she has joined because she wanted to make a difference in the community.

She said: “Like a lot of the others, I want to see the area cleaned up, kept clean and a safer environment to bring up our youngsters.”

The mother-of-three has two sons, one who is just four-and-a-half years and another who is 15, and a 12-year-old daughter.

Julian Peters, 49, of Beecheno Road, who suffers from ME and has polycystic kidneys and liver, said he cannot work full time so thought he would help the community.

He said: “We're trying to change people's view on ways of living and getting people to recycle.

“The more people who are vigilant the better and the more people we can get to communicate through this project the quicker things will get done.” The scheme has been set up by the Neighbourhood Management Team and is funded by the NELM (North Earlham, Larkman and Marlpit) Development Trust.

Street leaders report various issues or problems and then these are taken up by the relevant services, such as the council and police, to help build an understanding of what is required for the area.

It was launched by Brenda Ferris, deputy leader of Norwich City Council, on Monday.

She said: “This is a brilliant scheme and successfully involves members of the local community to report issues that need to be sorted to the city council or relevant authority.

“It has proved very successful elsewhere and we are delighted we already have 100 street leaders in place and hope many more will be recruited to help with input at a street level for the issues that concern people.

“I'm proud that Norwich as a city has taken a lead in this crucial neighbourhood strategy.”

The campaign fits in with the Evening News Reclaim Our Communities campaign. Backed by former prime minister Tony Blair, the campaign urges people to join forces to combat anti-social behaviour.

People who would like to find out more about becoming a street leader should call freephone 08000 778658.

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