Home Secretary comes to see success of Liberal Democrat-run Islington

12.00.00am GMT Mon 3rd Dec 2001

Liberal Democrat Council Leader Steve Hitchins today welcomes Home Secretary David Blunkett on a visit to see Islington's initiatives for tackling anti-social behaviour. Liberal Democrat-run Islington is one of the first places in the country to have Neighbourhood Wardens, and has just secured funding to increase their numbers. Under the scheme, community wardens work on estates to help to reduce anti-social behaviour.Islington also started the ?ABC?, or Acceptable Behaviour Contract, initiative, under which young people in trouble sign contracts setting out acceptable standards of behaviour. This scheme has been extremely popular and is now being copied nationwide, and assessed by the Home Office.Commenting Cllr Hitchins said ?I am very glad that the Government is supporting the Council's efforts to improve Islington.?It is noticeable that the Labour Government is a lot more interested in helping the purposeful new Lib Dem administration than they were in baling out the failing Old Labour Council two years ago. ?These two projects are just the latest examples of the Liberal Democrat Council putting together ambitious and successful plans for improving Islington. ?Residents have not forgotten what a mess Islington was in under Labour. We have spent two years working hard to improve our services. ?We still have much more to do, but Islington is getting better under the Liberal Democrats.?