Stephen Kearney campaigns to tackle anti-social behaviour

8.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 30th May 2008

Stephen Kearney outside Thame Town Hall

Liberal Democrat campaigner Stephen Kearney is leading calls for more action to tackle anti-social behaviour on our streets. Two recent surveys have shown the extent of the problem here in South Oxfordshire. While overall crime is low, too many local people are becoming victims of anti-social behaviour.

Lib Dem campaigner Stephen Kearney said:

"The message I hear again and again is that we need more police visibly on patrol in local towns and villages."

"Most people are frustrated that neither the Government nor local councils are doing anything to tackle the problem."

Mr Kearney criticised the Government's plans to spend billions of pounds on an ID card scheme that won't make our streets safer.

Stephen Kearney said:

"We should be spending money on more police, not a pointless piece of plastic. The Government should abandon the scheme now."

Some local people are blaming the lack of youth services for at least some of the rise in anti-social behaviour. The Conservative County Council has a dreadful record on providing youth services in South Oxfordshire.

Stephen Kearney said:

"Local people are paying record council tax bills, but the Conservative run councils aren't delivering the better youth services this area needs."