Islington Gazette - Estates welcome new Asbo powers

Islington Gazette - Estates welcome new Asbo powers: "

Estates welcome new Asbo powers

nlnews@archant.co.uk
19 January 2007

NEW powers to allow residents' groups to apply for anti-social behaviour orders on troublemakers have been welcomed by council estate associations in Islington.

But members also warn that actually securing the orders is easier said than done.

Until now only police could apply for ASBOs - and Prime Minister Tony Blair believes the changes will allow people to take "swift action" to combat yobs.

He said: "Local people are playing a bigger role in the areas in which they live. No-one knows how to transform a community better than the people who live there."

But members of Islington council estate associations are cautious in their support.

Sharon Jobe of the Market Estate residents' association, said: "I think it is a good thing, but only if you can find the proof you need to get ASBOs put on people.

"We have tried to get ASBOs given to kids in the estate before but it has been too hard. It's very difficult to prove they are needed in the courts."

Jackie Demen, of the Bemerton Estate residents' association, said: "I do agree with it if it takes off, but I can't see it working - it's not easy to go to court and get ASBOs made.

"I also don't think enough people have been told about it. We will have to hold a meeting with our tenants and see how they feel. Only time will tell if it works."

Homes for Islington - the organisation in charge of council housing in the borrough - are in favour of the changes. Their chief executive Eamon McGoldrick said: "HFI has been working hard over the last two years with the police, the council and other partners to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve conditions on our estates. We welcome this move which will make it easier for us to tackle those causing anti-social behaviour and disrupting the lives of residents.

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