Nottingham pilots voluntary orders

Nottingham Council is working in partnership
with the police and a social housing provider to operate a pilot
scheme aimed at tackling young people on the verge of antisocial
behaviour.

The
council’s group disorder unit, Nottingham Community Housing
Association, and Clifton police are introducing acceptable
behaviour contracts in the city’s Clifton area.

The
contracts are valid for one year. The young person agrees to the
contract voluntarily and it is not legally binding. If a young
person breaches a contract tougher sanctions can be
taken.

Councillor Sue Scott, chairperson
of the council’s community safety link panel, said: “The contracts
can be a cost-effective deterrent that stops young people
spiralling downwards into habitual antisocial or criminal
activity.”