Rapid response to youth problem

 

The residents had been subject to groups of youths gathering in an alleyway in the area and were becoming intimidated, with some even refusing to use the thoroughfare.  Bottles and cans, graffiti, debris and rubble from a wall, which had been damaged, littered the alleyway and as soon as Cristina heard about it she stepped in.

 

First she contacted the Leisure Trust who acted quickly and sent someone to assess the area on the same day as the concerns were first noted.  The Leisure Trust knocked on doors and talked to residents to find out about the specifics of the problem, and as a result, have set the wheels in motion for their youth workers to liaise with the young people who gather in the alley. 

 

Cristina also wasted no time in contacting the Building Control and Highways Agency to ensure the damaged wall and resulting rubble can be removed and rebuilt, before finally contacting the probation service and requesting that they remove the graffiti, which they have agreed to do as part of their Community Payback initiative.

 

Work is now underway on all aspects of the problem and Cristina has been praised for her swift and direct action in helping the community. 

 

Dawn Dawson, Assistant Director of Housing, said: “Cristina is a shining example of this Council’s efficient attitude to improving the community.  Sometimes it can take a while for certain processes to take place, which can be frustrating if people are waiting for them to happen, so I am glad everything has gone through so quickly on this occasion.”

 

Cllr Nick Grant, Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “The safety and wellbeing of our residents is paramount.  As a Council we are putting a greater emphasis on listening and responding quickly to residents’ needs.  It’s fantastic to see such a swift response to this issue.”