Enough is enough

Antisocial behaviour makes people’s lives a misery and blights communities. It isn’t fair that the selfish few – the louts and the nuisance neighbours – should be allowed to ride roughshod over everyone else.

Graffiti, litter and abandoned cars foster an environment where crime and antisocial behaviour can thrive. But in every town there are people and organisations who are working to stop antisocial behaviour – be it through helping in a youth centre, running a resident’s group or neighbourhood watch scheme, or organising community clean-ups.

To recognise and support this work, the government is running the Taking a Stand awards for the second year. The aim is that the public should nominate local people who have decided enough is enough – and acted to stop antisocial activity.

Entries for the Taking a Stand awards are invited until 28 September. The overall winner will receive £5000 and 100 runners-up nationwide will get £1000 to help fund their local antisocial behaviour projects.

Winners will also be offered a specialist programme to help build their skills so they can sort out other local problems and help people in similar situations to theirs.

If you want to recommend an individual or a group who deserves recognition – or feel you might qualify yourself – call 0800 085 2980 or visit www.takingastand.org for a nomination form.