A city in the North West of England has decided to fight back against anti-social elements in the area and private landlords, social landlords and tenants are leading the way.
In a declaration of war on anti social behaviour, all the leading community services in Liverpool have joined together to try and make their city a safer and more pleasant place to live in. Although the city experienced only minor problems in the summer riots it has an ongoing problem with gangs and other criminal elements.
Community leaders have now stepped in and officially launched the “Be Safe” campaign in St Georges Hall in the city centre. Representatives from the NHS, Liverpool City Council, The Fire Service and the Police were joined by Housing Associations and tenants to launch a set of standards that will ensure residents and tenants in all properties get a fair deal and that landlords also are treated equitably by their tenants.
Community leaders believe a strict adherence to the code will force anti-social elements away from decent tenants and landlords leaving them to go about their daily lives without fear. Angela Forster, a director at a housing association and a speaker at the meeting, said “By working together with residents and taking a consistent approach, it makes it very clear to those people who commit crime and anti-social behaviour that it will not be tolerated in Liverpool.”
The initiative will come as a relief for many landlords in the city who have seen their landlord insurance premiums rise as a result of claims arising from the actions of vandals and rogue tenants. Community leaders will closely monitor the scheme over the next few months and in the meantime other cities will be looking on with interest.