NEIGHBOURHOOD ACTION
 STATION ON THE MOVE

The Five Towns Area Neighbourhood Action Station will be open to the public in Airedale from May 22.

Wakefield District Community Safety Partnership has placed the station in the grounds of Airedale High School on Crewe Road. The action station will be used by a number of organisations and agencies providing advice and services on people's doorsteps.

The Neighbourhood Action Station will be used by the Young People's Service, Education Welfare, Environmental Protection and the Fire Service in the first instance, with more organisations set to join soon. It will enable people to access services and bring them into the heart of local communities.

A project is currently in place for local young people to design a mural for the outside of the Neighbourhood Action Station. Design work is currently taking place with the station due to be painted in June.

Charles Tindill, Wakefield Council's Neighbourhood Patroller and Dog Warden Manager said: "The Neighbourhood Action Stations are a great way for us to get services directly into the community. We are pleased that different organisations are using the station so that local people can seek advice and get help without leaving their neighbourhood. I think this is an excellent example of real partnership working, building our services around the community's needs. The Council and its partners would like to encourage local residents to come and see us on site and let us know how we can help."

Chief Inspector Charlie Glass (Community Safety) said: "The Neighbourhood Action Station has been successful in providing a focal point for local residents to access services directly in previous locations. From the experience gained, the Neighbourhood Policing Team will be working closely with our partners to continue to reduce crime and anti social behaviour in the Airedale area."

The full schedule for organisations that are currently using the station is:

Monday: Young People's Service providing a drop in centre for young people 2pm - 5pm

Wednesday: Victim Support for advice and support 10am - 12pm; Education Welfare 10am - 12pm

Thursday: Young People's Service for advice on education and school attendance for families, 10am - 1pm; Young People's Service providing a drop in centre for young people 2pm - 5pm

Friday : Environmental Protection promoting 'Talking to your Neighbour' and neighbourhood nuisance issues 10am - 12pm; Fire Service for advice on fire safety 10 am - 12pm

Wakefield District is working with the Home Office as a Together Action Area and it is supporting the Government's Respect agenda. This places a high priority on improving communities and residents' quality of life by reducing anti-social behaviour.

To report anti-social behaviour phone It's Your Call (24-hours): 0845 8 506 506.

For further information:

Contact Paul Cartwright on 01924 305368 or email pcartwright@wakefield.gov.uk

Ref: PR832
Date: 16/05/06

INDEX

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