Anti-social behaviour in North East Derbyshire focus of new council post

The new officer will work alongside other agencies to deal with neighbourhood disputes and concerns, the council says

Anti-social behaviour in part of Derbyshire is to be targeted by a new dedicated council officer.

The person who takes on the role would work with police and other agencies to address non-criminal issues, North East Derbyshire District Council said.

Those included abandoned cars, litter, noisy neighbours, vandalism, graffiti, litter and youth nuisance, it added.

The authority said mediation and education would be used in a bid to settle problems before they got worse.

Funding for the first year would come from the county's Police and Crime Commissioner.

'Serious impact'

Council leader Nigel Barker said: "This area is no different to anywhere else, with neighbour disputes and kids being kids.

"But that can really create problems for some people and things like abandoned cars, vandalism and graffiti can really bring a community down.

"The idea is to be visible and more proactive - rather than reactive - knocking on doors and chatting with people."

Angelique Foster, Derbyshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "Anti-social behaviour has a serious and detrimental impact on people's lives and is unacceptable.

"Residents are fully behind this action. They want to see evidence that the perpetrators of anti-social behaviour are being dealt with quickly and effectively and that police and partners are doing everything possible to protect them."

A consultation on anti-social behaviour in Clay Cross runs until the end of December.