Newcastle Labour

Newcastle Labour Group have this week produced a draft policy document spelling out the Party’s proposals for boosting community safety in the city.

The policy document ‘A Safer City and Safer Neighbourhoods” has been researched and produced by City Councillor Stephen Lambert who is Labour’s Spokesman on Neighbourhoods and Public Protection.  If approved, it will form part of Labour’s Manifesto for next year’s spring Council Elections in Newcastle.

The document criticises the Liberal Democrat Party both locally and nationally as “being too soft on crime and anti social behaviour” and calls on the Council to revive the use of ASBOs and extend the Neighbourhood Warden Service.  The document praises the Government for the increase in police numbers and the introduction of the Neighbourhood Police Teams across every ward in the city.

Labour’s proposals include:

• The extension of mobile CCTV
• The expansion of the Neighbourhood Warden Service
• Expansion of Community Payback schemes
• A dedicated Youth Work Team in every ward
• The expansion of apprenticeships
• Touch action on drugs

Councillor Lambert said “The policy document is in its early stages.  But we know the type of city we want to live in – a city where we can walk down the streets safety.  Overall crime is down by 2.5% and police number up.  But anti social behaviour is still a pressing concern for many residents especially those who live in the more deprived neighbourhoods of the city.  Our stance is clear and consistent – tough on crime and bad behaviour and tough on its causes.