Minister visit focuses on anti-social behaviour concerns in Coventry
Coventry East MP Mary Creagh and Policing Minister Sarah Jones visit Foleshill as new powers to tackle ASB and illegal trading are introduced
Coventry East MP Mary Creagh and Policing Minister Sarah Jones have visited Foleshill to hear concerns about anti-social behaviour and its impact on residents and local businesses.
The visit included a walk along Foleshill Road, stops at areas where anti-social behaviour has been reported, and discussions with residents, shopkeepers and local police.
Councillor John McNicholas also outlined Coventry City Council’s work to tackle problem premises and businesses linked to criminality and anti-social behaviour.
Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP said: “Anti-social behaviour can have a devastating impact on local people, businesses and communities, and tackling it is a priority for this Government."
The visit comes as new measures are being introduced nationally, including Respect Orders, which will allow courts to place restrictions on adults involved in persistent anti-social behaviour. Breaching an order will be a criminal offence.
The Government has also announced a £30 million programme targeting illegal trading, including raids, closures and cash seizures. Separately, legislation gives ministers powers to increase the maximum duration of closure orders for premises linked to serious nuisance, disorder or criminal activity.
Coventry has recently used closure orders against premises linked to illegal trading and anti-social behaviour, including Belgrade Plaza car park in recent weeks.
Mary Creagh, MP for Coventry East said: “People in Foleshill deserve to feel safe, and local businesses deserve to be able to trade without being undermined by anti-social behaviour or criminal activity.
“Police and councils will now have the powers they need to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour and problem premises, while supporting the responsible businesses that are the backbone of our high streets.”