BBC RADIO - ASB PARTNERSHIP WORKING RIVER NETWORK HOUSING DERBYSHIRE DALES SUCCESS TERRY ECKERSLEY

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**INNOVATIVE ASB PROJECT WITH RIVER NETWORK AND CRIME COMMISSIONER**

**Derbyshire, 25 October 2023**

Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster is today praising and funding an innovative ASB project with River Network Housing that has seen anti-social behaviour plummet in the area of Matlock and Matlock Bath.

The project, which is the first of its kind in the UK, brings together the police, housing providers and local residents to tackle ASB at its root cause, with innovative ways of bringing people together around food in the community. This encourages responsibility, empowering people to take responsibility and grow, together! Also training & empowering people into serving the community via leadership and mentoring programmes and placement opportunities,in housing, community, modern multi - media, foodbank, music, and much more !

PCC Angelique Foster said: “Local residents consistently tell me that anti-social behaviour is one of their main concerns which is why I have prioritised tackling this type of behaviour in my forthcoming Police and Crime Plan.

“This pioneering project working with new RIVER NETWORK HOUSING already seen ASB plummeting in the area of Matlock and Matlock Bath.

“This shows what can be achieved when we work together. I am grateful to River Network Housing and the local community for their support in making this project a success.”

Terry Eckersley, CEO of River Network Housing, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Police and Crime Commissioner on this innovative project. We have seen a significant reduction in ASB in the areas where we have implemented the project. We are appreciative of the partnership defunding to start this new project.

“This is due to the close working relationship between the police, DDDC, housing providers and local residents. We are all committed to making our communities safer places to live.”

Jill Eckersley, Housing Support Manager at River Network Housing, said: “We have worked hard to build relationships with the local community and to understand the root causes of ASB. This has allowed us to develop targeted interventions that are making a real difference.

“We are also working with the police to identify and deal with perpetrators of ASB. And also channel them and coach them into fruitful lives in the community. This is a long-term project, but we are committed to making Matlock and Matlock Bath safer places for everyone. We are looking forward to starting this excellent initiative soon. ”

**Quote from Angelique Foster, Police and Crime Commissioner for Derbyshire:**

“This is why I am working hard to promote and encourage local communities and partners to work with us and help deliver a safer Derbyshire. You are playing a big part in this and I thank you for your contribution.
I wish you every success and look forward to seeing the results of your project in the coming months.”