Spirita joins forces with police to tackle anti-social behaviour

Posted by Spirita on November 8, 2011 | No Comments |  Print This Post |  Email This Post

Spirita has been working with partners to create a stronger sense of community on the St. Ann’s estate and has recently obtained court possession orders for two of its properties in response to drug-related activity. The court action was taken by Spirita, which is part of Metropolitan Housing Partnership, as a last resort to dealing with anti-social behaviour (ASB) and has made Brewster’s Road a safer place to live.

Angela Asquith, Spirita Area Housing Manager said:

“As a social landlord, Spirita is responsible for tackling all aspects of anti-social behaviour by positively engaging with residents to prevent it happening in the first place, working with partners and the community to address issues and taking a range of enforcement measures if required. With these two cases, court proceedings represented the final stages of trying to address ASB issues with the families and send a message that those who choose to persistently offend do face the possibility of losing their homes as a result.”

The first case involved a family whose behaviour had escalated crime and violence in the area. The judge ordered immediate eviction of the family by granting a forthwith possession order. The second case involved electricity being stolen from the communal supply in the building and being used to grow cannabis. The case was quickly taken to court resulting in the judge awarding Spirita a 14 day possession order.

Spirita and the Nottinghamshire Police had tried to engage with the households through a number of measures including Family Intervention Projects, Challenge and Support Programmes, parenting classes and Acceptable Behaviour Contracts for the children.

Enforcement is just one aspect of the work Spirita is doing on the St. Ann’s estate to create a better community. A music project is currently being held to keep young residents involved in positive activity and teach them new skills, including DJing. They are being held at Hill View Community Centre (Tuesdays, 5pm-7pm for ages 14+) and at Elohim Community Centre (Wednesdays, 5:30pm-7pm for ages 11-14).

Spirita is also consulting with residents about their ideas for making Brewster’s Road Park an environment for everyone to enjoy and held a Halloween event at the park to kick-start the consultation.