The Petition of Mr and Mrs Martin, the residents of St. George's Walk and others,

Declares that the constant playing of football on the green adjacent to St George’s Walk is causing a nuisance to local residents by damaging the green, surrounding properties and area; that the participating youths behave anti-socially which causes distress and creates unnecessary work for residents who must clean up the mess left at the end of the day; further declares that the Council has a statutory responsibility, under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, to take reasonable steps to investigate any complaint of a nuisance in their area; that for these and other valid reasons, Castle Point Borough Council should prohibit the playing of football on this area of the green and plants trees around the green to increase the safety of properties and the visual amenities for the community.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to press Castle Point Borough Council and local Councillors to immediately investigate this nuisance, ban football on the green and begin planting trees for community wellbeing.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Bob Spink, Official Report, 2 March 2010; Vol. 506, c. 916.]

[P000745]

Observations from the Secretary of State for the Home Department:

The Government are committed to tackling anti-social behaviour in all its forms and have made it a key priority for action at all levels. No one should be expected to suffer from antisocial behaviour—which is why our approach is tackling not tolerating antisocial behaviour.

We have made it clear to local areas that we expect local agencies to use all the powers available to tackle anti-social behaviour; and to take swift and effective action when dealing with complaints of anti-social behaviour.

The Government have introduced a set of robust powers for local partners, including the police and local authorities, to tackle anti-social behaviour and have issued new guidance on how to make full and effective use of them. Warnings, acceptable behaviour contracts (ABCs), fixed penalty notices, enforcement of tenancy agreements, anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs), premises closure orders, and injunctions are all tools that could be used to stop anti-social behaviour. There should be no situation in which anti-social behaviour cannot be tackled or victims not supported.

I understand from Castle Point borough council that action is being taken to address the problem. Ward members and residents have met with the police and the police were to increase patrols to respond to any problems.

The request for tree planting on the green has also been referred for consideration at the next Canvey West neighbourhood meeting which is to take place on 24 March 2010.