By Bridget Phillipson MP

I know that anti-social behaviour remains a persistent problem, both in our area and across the country. I hear from too many constituents how it affects their quality of life and can make them fearful in their own home. I’m currently serving on the Bill Committee in Parliament going through the government’s legislation line by line. I believe the proposals are too weak. It is a mistake to scrap Anti-Social Behaviour Orders and replace them with new arrangements that will have less power, take up more police time and all at significant cost.

I’m hosting a coffee morning this week with the Neighbourhood Policing Team to discuss what more can be done to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. If you’re a constituent in Houghton and Sunderland South and you want to come along, then just get in touch for more details.

This article was originally published in the Sunderland Echo on 11th July 2013