Speak Up for Respect
21st April 2006
Alan Whitehead, MP for Southampton Test, has launched a major consultation into the issue of respect in Southampton and is keen to hear your views.
Dr Whitehead has to date written to over 6,000 residents in Southampton Test to make sure the Government's Respect Action Plan1 meets the needs of Southampton's residents by taking into account all their experiences of anti-social behaviour.
The aim of this consultation is to identify the key areas of concern for local people so that solutions and resources can be targeted towards them. Dr Whitehead has therefore asked people to identify the anti-social problems they've encountered in their area and how they would like to see them tackled.
Dr Whitehead also hopes the consultation will put pressure on the Liberal Democrat-run City Council to use the powers it already has to deal with anti-social behaviour in Southampton. Lib Dem President Simon Hughes last week dismissed Southampton's experience of anti-social behaviour, saying 'this is not a city in crisis.'
Dr Whitehead said:
"Mr Hughes is either clearly mistaken or is choosing not to recognise the extent of the problems created by anti-social behaviour in order to justify the Lib-Dem run council's lack of concern on this matter. Whilst it's not in the power of the government to force people to behave well they have provided communities with the tools they need to encourage good behaviour and penalise bad behaviour. The local Lib Dem run-council however have a clear responsibility to use these powers effectively. Then we can work together in ensuring that every power and resource we have is focused on dealing with those who disrespect our community whilst helping to improve our neighbourhoods."
He added:
"The initial letters asking for residents views are going out now, but I always want to hear from you about anti-social behaviour in your area - so please don't hesitate to contact me in my Constituency Office on 023 8023 1942. The more feedback we receive the better chance we have of stopping anti-social behaviour in its tracks so please do get in touch."