STRICT measures are being used to deal with persistent trouble-makers in the Suffolk coastal area.Young people who make a nuisance of themselves and antagonise residents are finding themselves the subject of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts which are drawn up to tell them how they must behave.
STRICT measures are being used to deal with persistent trouble-makers in the Suffolk coastal area.
Young people who make a nuisance of themselves and antagonise residents are finding themselves the subject of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts which are drawn up to tell them how they must behave.
The latest offenders to become bound by these are four youths, aged between 14 and 16, in the Sutton Heath area.
The contracts were served by Suffolk coastal council's new anti-social behaviour co-ordinator Ian Abery, after complaints from residents.
Patricia O'Brien, the council cabinet member for community well-being said: "People living in the Sutton Heath area were enduring considerable disquiet because of the anti-social behaviour of a relatively small number of young people. Our partnership approach, with Suffolk Heritage Housing Association and Suffolk Police, has resulted in these contracts being served.
"We now have five contracts in Sutton Heath that make it very clear that the types of behaviour committed by these young people is unacceptable to the residents."
The contracts spell out exactly the kind of behaviour the youngsters must not indulge in. This includes instructions not to engage in any abusive or threatening behaviour, not to drink alcohol in a public place, not to behave in a way which results in criminal damage, and a curfew time by which to be home.
There will be close monitoring to ensure there is a genuine attempt by the young people to comply with the contracts, with the threat of further action against them if the problems around Sutton Heath continue.
A total of 14 Acceptable Behaviour Contracts have been issued in the Suffolk Coastal area and only two have so far been breached.
Anyone who would like to report a problem of anti-social behaviour should first report to the police, dialing 999 if it is a serious incident.
If there has been a pattern or regular problems with anti-social behaviour then call Ian Abery at Suffolk Coastal on 01394 444763 or by e-mail on ian.abery@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here