Building a culture of respect

Give respect, get respect. That’s the message from Coventry’s largest landlord following its public pledge to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Representatives from Whitefriars Housing Group met Cabinet Minister Ruth Kelly this week to sign-up to a new initiative which aims to improve the lives of the city’s residents by cracking down on problems such as harassment, noise nuisance and vandalism.

As one of the first housing associations in the country to sign up to the Respect Standard for Housing Management, Whitefriars has promised to do all that it reasonably can to tackle anti social behaviour. This includes measures to prevent anti-social behaviour, provide specialist services for victims and witnesses and protect communities through swift enforcement.

It has also promised to continue its work on long-term solutions to anti-social behaviour by addressing its causes, such as family breakdowns, drug misuse or lack of parenting skills.

Eamon Lynch, tenancy services manager, travelled to the capital to pick up the not-for-profit housing group’s certificate.

He said: “We already have a large number of measures in place to tackle anti-social behaviour but felt making a public promise was important to underline our commitment. We believe that every resident has a right to live their life in peace and enjoy their homes free from harassment.

“While we already work to ensure residents enjoy this right, the Respect Standard will offer those living in Coventry even more reassurance and encourage even more residents to take a stand with us and our partners to create a culture of respect.”

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Press release issued: December 19 2006