PRESS RELEASE
Issued by:
Councillor Alan Taylor
Date of Issue: April 7th 2006
Contact number:
0151
334 1135
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PRESS RELEASE |
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‘NEW APPROACH' TO ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR Liberal Democrats want a radical new approach to dealing with crimes that blight our local environment and bring misery to people in local neighbourhoods. Bromborough ward Councillor Alan Tayor says, “We need to bring justice to the heart of our communities. “Crimes such as vandalism and anti-social behaviour affect local people's quality of life. “These crimes need a system which brings victims, offenders, and communities together giving local people more say on the punishment offenders carry out, puts victims' needs at the centre of the criminal justice system, and finds positive solutions to crime by encouraging offenders to take responsibility for their actions.” Councillor Taylor is proposing that Wirral lobbies for a Community Justice Centre like the successful pilot Centre running in North Liverpool . “I've visited the Centre and have been very impressed by what they've achieved”, said Councillor Taylor. “The system is swift, efficient, and effective; and is without the delays which can often lead to offenders being let out on bail only to commit more crimes.” The Centre delivers a sytem of ‘restorative justice' under its presiding judge, Judge Fletcher, and has a dedicated team committed to working with the local community to tackle crime and the issues that contribute to it, such as drugs and homelessness, in an innovative way. The Centre began operating in 2004 and moved to new premises in September 2005: since that date Judge Fletcher has dealt with 900 hearings, including 150 youth hearings. Councillor Taylor will propose a motion calling for a Community Justice Centre for Wirral at Monday's Full Council meeting. |