‘It’s anti-social behaviour that makes life hell’
Published: 24 September, 2010
by PETER GRUNER
THE Town Hall’s new crime chief, Labour councillor Barbara Sidnell, spoke this week about the scourge of anti-social behaviour which can make people’s lives hell.
Cllr Sidnell, who is responsible for community safety, was launching plans for a public meeting on crime, due to be held in November.
At the meeting the public will question senior officials, including Police Commander Mike Wise, London Assembly Labour member Jennette Arnold, Labour council leader Councillor Catherine West and members of the council’s anti-social behaviour and domestic violence teams.
The debate comes as police figures reveal that, despite tragic but isolated incidents of gun and knife attacks, crime in Islington is decreasing year by year.
“Crime, particularly anti-social behaviour, is a big talking point. I hope that the debate attracts as many people as possible,” Cllr Sidnell said.
“There is, of course, the real crime and then the mostly anti-social incidents that make life hell. On top of that there is a public perception that crime is going on all the time, which of course is not true.”
On the estate in Finsbury Park where she lives she has had windows broken and a bike stolen.
“I believe the only way you deal with this petty crime is education of the young people and sometimes also their parents,” she said. “At the same time we’ve got to make sure the young people have a future and something to do in life.”
The meeting will be held at 7pm on November 4, probably in the Assembly Hall, next to the town hall. Details of how to submit questions via email or letter will be provided shortly.