Action on anti-social behaviour praised

The success of Servite Houses anti-social behaviour initiatives came under the spotlight again when Housing Corporation chief executive Jon Rouse praised the housing association’s comprehensive approach.

The Housing Corporation boss visited Servite’s Church Manor estate in Lambeth, south London, on Wednesday, 2 August, with Housing Corporation policy advisor Natalie Pace and Regulation policy manager Deborah Ilott.

The trio spoke to residents about how anti-social behaviour on the estate had been cut by half in just one year.

Following the successes at Church Manor, we are rolling out its methods of stamping out ASB to Servite homes across the county.

Servite’s ASB manager Colin Lydon said: "Our estate strategies are one of a number of ways we are dealing with ASB.

"Once we have identified a problem, a project team is assembled to identify the issues and their causes. With the constant input of residents and local community policing teams we can deal with the problems using short, medium and long-term solutions.

"This could include input from Servite’s ASB, community development and housing teams, to ensure we are covering the issues from every angle.”

Servite is also carrying out design audits of the estates it manages to reduce and discourage ASB. Measures taken include adding lighting, blocking off alleyways and improving security.

During his visit Jon Rouse also met Robina Spinks, from Finchley’s Thomas Moore estate. Robina set up regular youth clubs for youngsters, with the help of Servite, to give them a constructive alternative to hanging around in streets and residents are already reporting improvements.

Mr Rouse said "The Housing Corporation has been working with housing associations to support and champion ant-social behaviour.

"I was pleased to see Servite Houses taking the initiate with their impressive estate strategies and moving forward with the Government’s Respect Agenda.”

Ends

Press release issued: August 3 2006