PRESS RELEASE
Issued by:
Councillor Bob Moon
Date of Issue: Oct 23rd 2006
Contact number:
07970 824765
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PRESS RELEASE |
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ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR: A Liberal Democrat proposal for a radical new approach to crime and anti-social behaviour could become a reality. Wirral's Cabinet has agreed to submit a bid to the Government for a Community Justice Centre for Wirral. Councillor Bob Moon , Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group and Cabinet member for Community and Customer Engagement said, “We're pleased that Wirral Council has agreed to submit this bid. “I recently had the opportunity to press Wirral's case to the Chief Executive for Criminal Justice Reform, Ursula Brennan, telling her that we were serious in our intention to bid for a Community Justice Centre if the opportunity came our way. “She said that anecdotal evidence from the South Liverpool centre was positive and she is looking for other innovative ways to produce the same sort of positive results i.e. bringing the community closer to the criminal justice system. She wants other innovative schemes. “This means that a Wirral Community Justice Centre won't be a blueprint of what's happening in Liverpool and we now have a unique opportunity to be a trail-blazer in new ways of dealing with crime and anti-social behaviour, building on the successes of the Liverpool pilot. “We were very impressed by the Liverpool Centre's achievements in combatting crime and anti-social behaviour in a positive way, which is why we proposed that Wirral should bid in any further round of pilots. Councillor Alan Taylor, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Community Safety said, “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 action. “Community Justice Centres provide that system. “The system is swift and efficient, without the delays which can often lead to offenders being let out on bail only to commit more crimes and we look forward to our bid being successful.” The Liberal Democrat proposal for a Community Justice Centre for Wirral was proposed at last April's meeting of Wirral's full council. |