Pioneering scheme set to cut anti-social behaviour
A simple, low-cost goodwill scheme is having a dramatic effect on cutting anti-social behaviour and cleaning up the environment, say local traders who have been clamouring to sign up to it. More than 90 per cent have already signed up to the Good Trader Agreement (GTA), run by Sheffield Homes’ Neighbourhood Action Team (NAT) in the city’s Wordsworth Avenue Housing Office area – 40 per cent more than was expected in this, its first year of operation.
The NAT, which covers Parson Cross, Foxhill and Herries areas, is the only one of its kind in the city. It was set up by Sheffield Homes a year ago with a two-year remit to reduce anti-social behaviour through education and involving the local community in preventative schemes.
The GTA, just one project under the remit, is a written agreement that local traders can sign up to. They display special window stickers and agree to such things as keeping the shop area clean and free from litter and to support each other by keeping an eye out for and reporting incidents. Ensuring the law with regard to the sale of age-restricted products like alcohol, cigarettes and glue is another aspect of the scheme and could also earn traders a separate `Responsible Retailer’ award from the Council’s Trading Standards Department. The GTA was particularly active in the Halloween period last year when it encouraged traders not to sell flour and eggs to children following incidents of ‘egging’ in previous years.
“We are not surprised at the success of the scheme, but have been pleasantly surprised at how quickly it’s caught on,” said NAT’s senior housing officer, Dawn Wragg. “We’re also delighted at how effective it’s proving to be, particularly considering it’s all based on goodwill.”
Other projects under NAT’s remit include a pro-active schools campaign to raise awareness around anti-social behaviour issues, which includes talks and a prize poster competition. There are also a variety of initiatives in partnership with the Tenants’ and Residents’ Association (TARA), the local police and other community forums.
“We’ve developed excellent working relationships with them all,” said Dawn Wragg, “but the GTA is a milestone for us and our work here. We are over the moon with the positive way it’s been received by local shopkeepers and businesses and look forward to building on its success in the coming year.”
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Notes to editors
The Neighbourhood Action Team (NAT) is funded by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund. It works closely with Tenants’ and Residents’ Associations, the police, schools and many others to tackle some of the anti social behaviour in the area. The NAT concentrate on prevention and education. It complements the Anti Social Behaviour Team who are responsible for enforcement action.
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PRESS CONTACT: Neil Anderson at Anderson Waugh tel: 0114 225 7080