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REWARDING RESIDENTS FOR TACKLING ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
COMMUNITIES
in the North West are being urged to pay tribute to the courage and
bravery of local people who have taken a stand against anti-social
behaviour, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said today.
An independent survey carried out in the North West on behalf of the
Home Office shows that:
· 82% believe that by working together, local people can do things
to tackle anti-social behaviour and make a difference
· 80% of people would take a stand if their neighbourhood was
affected by anti-social behaviour issues
Now in their 3rd year, the Taking A Stand Awards are run in
partnership with Crime Concern and the Co-op and recognise
individuals and groups who have transformed their communities by
tackling problems such as vandalism, nuisance neighbours,
harassment, intimidation and graffiti. There will be at least 500
winners from across England and Wales who will win £1,000 to be
spend on improving their local area and five overall winners who
will each receive £5,000.
Ms Blears said:- “Anti-social behaviour is a menace which not
only makes people’s lives a misery but can ruin neighbourhoods.
We’ve made good progress in bearing down on the unacceptable
behaviour of this minority with a whole range of tools that are
aimed at improving and modifying anti-social behaviour. But there is
more to do and the public are playing a key part. Up and down the
country we know that the public are taking stand to tackle
anti-social behaviour – such as collecting and giving evidence in
court or organising activities for young people. The Taking A Stand
Awards recognise their courageous efforts to make their communities
a better place to live. If you know someone in the Wirral who has
shown the bravery and determination needed please nominate them for
an Award. We all have the right to live our lives free from
harassment. But with those rights come responsibilities, and we all
need to play a part in tackling disrespect and unacceptable
behaviour - working together with local authorities and the police
the public can make an enormous difference.”
To nominate someone call 0800 085 2980 for a nomination form or log
on to www.takingastand.org. The deadline for nominations is 13
January 2005.
Martin Beaumont, Chief Executive of the Co-operative Group, said:-
"Many of our stores are in the heart of local communities, and we
often see at first hand how anti-social behaviour can blight a
neighbourhood. Lots of people work very hard, and often very
bravely, to tackle these problems. We are delighted to support a
scheme to recognise those individuals, and encourage people to make
use of the nomination forms in our stores."
Roger Howard, Chief Executive of Crime Concern, said:-
"The Taking a Stand awards have uncovered some
amazing stories. We are delighted to be rewarding community heroes
who have taken a stand to help make their neighbourhoods a safer
place to live. The Taking a Stand Awards are about empowering people
in their own communities to believe that they can be a force for
change. We look forward to finding more heroes who want to reclaim
their communities. Last years' winners are making great strides in
carrying on the good work that they started and won an award for
last year. By using the tools that they learnt during the Academy
training they are able to achieve much more for themselves and their
communities."
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Liverpool is top of the poppies
MERSEYBEAT star
Gerry Marsden will make Liverpool's Lord Mayor top of the poppies
when he presents him with a giant symbol to remember the city's
victims of war. On Friday (28 October) Councillor Alan Dean will
accept a six foot poppy on behalf of the city while on board a
Mersey Ferry.
Councillor Dean said:- "The people of Liverpool owe a huge
personal debt to our fighting forces who made the ultimate sacrifice
in defence of this land. The generosity of Liverpool people is
renowned, and I appeal to everyone to support the Royal British
Legion's Poppy Appeal by buying and wearing a poppy, and remembering
why it is that the Royal British Legion's work is so necessary. I
also urge everyone to observe the two minute silence at 11am on 11
November, to remember those who have died or suffered injury in the
service of this country."
The national campaign was launched last Monday in London by England
cricket Captain Michael Vaughan. The poppy appeal highlights the
importance of the British Legion's work in caring and campaigning
for ex-servicemen and women and their families.
Christine Bradford from the British Legion, said:- "The Royal
British Legion is delighted that Gerry Marsden will be launching the
2005 Poppy Appeal with the Lord Mayor of Liverpool receiving the
first poppy on board the Mersey Ferry. As its most famous passenger
Gerry is glad to be able to highlight the welfare work that the
Legion is able to carry out as a result of the annual Poppy Appeal."
Last year the people of Liverpool raised more than £100,000 for the
poppy appeal.
f
the poppies
THE British Egg Industry
Council (BEIC) has confirmed that there are no new restrictions on
egg consumption.
"British eggs remain among the safest in the world and despite
recent 'scare' stories, there is no change to current advice about
eating eggs," says BEIC deputy chairman Andrew Joret. "British
shoppers should continue to look for the British Lion mark, which
guarantees that the eggs have been laid in the UK by hens vaccinated
against salmonella, and follow normal hygiene procedures when
storing, handling and cooking eggs".
The UK Food Standards Agency has advised that the recent outbreaks
of avian flu in Asia and South and Eastern Europe do not pose a food
safety risk for UK consumers. It has confirmed for people, the risk
of catching the disease comes from being in close contact with live
poultry that have the disease. The European Centre for Disease
Prevention and Control also states that the risk of infection for
most people in Europe is close to zero. Defra continues to state
that the current risk of AI entering the UK is low.
The British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) is liaising closely with
Defra to ensure the industry is best prepared should the risk
heighten. Contingency plans are in place which are under constant
review by Defra, BEIC and other interested parties. Additional
surveillance is being undertaken and should it be necessary the
industry can act swiftly to bring hens indoors.
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