Cure for crime.

I agree with Cllr Empson that Dave McLuckie should be fighting for more police officers in Redcar & Cleveland. His first responsibility is to the people of the area.

However, I think residents should know that our council works in a positive and effective partnership with the police in our district. The best cure for crime is to prevent it in the first place, particularly in relation to children and families, and together we are very successful.

Our Community Safety service works closely with the police, diverting youngsters from anti-social behaviour through positive activities and sometimes requiring them and their parents to make a contract for good behaviour. This actually reduces the need for anti-social behaviour orders.

We are working closely with the police to reduce domestic violence, bearing in mind that nationally two women each week are killed by a partner and that children's wellbeing is damaged by being in a family where domestic violence takes place. The police make a financial, as well as operational, contribution to this initiative.

The Behaviour and Attendance Team is a joint initiative to get young people into school and on track for a law abiding life.

These are just three examples of joint working which is improving community safety for everybody.

Redcar & Cleveland Council is supportive of the new neighbourhood policing initiative and is contributing to increased numbers of police community support officers, while also increasing our own police accredited community safety warden numbers.

As the lead member for children and adults I am proud of our collaborative partnership with the police. It will contribute greatly to increased quality of life for all residents.

VALERIE HALTON, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Services