One of the Government’s strongest advocates of tough measures on antisocial behaviour, Hazel Blears MP, was in Swindon (11th-12th April) to talk about Government action in Parks and Walcot.  

The Cabinet Office Minister was at the Park South Community Centre at 1600 on Wednesday 11th April to talk to residents, Community Support Officers, Neighbourhood Wardens and Crime and Disorder Partnership reps.  

Anne Snelgrove, who set up the event, said: 

“In the last few weeks the Government's neighbourhood policing scheme has been rolled out across Swindon to crack-down on antisocial behaviour. It’s time to get the momentum going that’s needed to tackle the yobs that are blighting Parks and Walcot.”  

“The Council needs to stop dragging its heels and passing the buck on this - and instead start working with local people.” 

Read the report in the Swindon Advertiser.

Hazel Blears MP said: "When it’s reported that Cameron says we should ‘hug a hoodie’ it is clear just out of touch he is. I remember the last time I was here in Swindon, during the General Election, talking to pensioners, young mums, and going out with the Community Support Officers.  You hear the same things again and again: people are sick and tired of a minority of tearaways making life hard for the decent majority. They are sick and tired of the lack of respect shown to elderly people.  Parents are concerned about what their kids might be getting mixed up in. Young people are worried about bullying, about getting insulting texts on their phone, or being mugged for their mobiles or MP3 player."

"And Cameron’s only response : hug a hoodie.  Well that might work on Planet Cameron, but in Swindon people want more police and CSOs, a council willing to use the tough measures we’ve made available for anti-social behaviour, parents to take their responsibilities seriously and support their children’s teachers, and strong communities with the tools to stand up to the drugs dealers, vandals and gangs.  Mr Cameron, you’re out of touch. You don’t know what it’s like. Your family may own an estate, but you’ve never lived on one."