Take a Stand against Anti-Social Behaviour

BSafe Blackpool is encouraging local residents to celebrate strong community spirit by nominating someone for a national Respect Award.

If you know someone in Blackpool who goes that little bit further to make the community a safer place to live you are urged to nominate them for the national and prestigious accolade.

Cllr Sue Wright is Vice Chair of BSafe Blackpool, a multi-agency partnership with the safety of the community at heart. Cllr Wright said: “There are many people in Blackpool that care deeply about the neighbourhood and community in which they live, and many play an active role in making it a better place to live.

“It would be wonderful if some local residents, and the town as a whole, received some recognition in these awards, and I’d encourage anybody thinking about it to put pen to paper. I’m confident that many of the entries will be very inspiring, and will hopefully encourage others to also make a difference in their community.”

The Respect Awards for Taking a Stand are all about recognising the commitment, energy and courage of members of the public who have made real improvements in their communities, and inspiring those who want to do more to tackle anti-social behaviour.

It’s well documented that one of residents’ biggest priorities in their area is tackling anti-social behaviour – noisy neighbours, litter, fly-tipping, groups hanging around or graffiti and criminal damage. All these really impact on people’s quality of life and weaken communities.

The Respect drive is a cross-Government strategy to tackle bad behaviour and nurture good - and so help create the modern culture of respect.

It is about central government, local agencies, local communities and ultimatel every citizen working together to build a society in which we can respect one another – where anti-social behaviour is rare and tackled effectively, and communities can live in peace together.

Previous winners include residents that worked tirelessly in their community to tackle mini-moto menace, and a gang of ruthless drug dealers. Others worked in partnership to restore theircommunityback to a peaceful housing estate once again.

Nominations must be received by 31st January 2007. Winners will be invited to attend a Respect Award ceremony in March 2007 and will receive £1,000 to be spent on helping them do more to tackle anti-social behaviour locally.

Even if submitted nominations don’t go on to win national awards, they may be suitable for future recognition awards on a more local level in Blackpool.

For more information about the awards and an application form please contact Amanda McVittie, BSafe Blackpool Anti-Social Behaviour Co-Ordinator on 01253 651164 or at amanda.mcvittie@blackpool.gov.uk