Up for a grand by taking a stand

A total of thirteen residents who have taken community action over the last year have been put forward for the 'Taking a Stand' awards and are in with a chance of winning £1,000 towards improving their area.

The 'Taking a Stand' awards, organised by the Home Office, is an annual event that allows residents to nominate individuals or groups that have taken action against anti-social behaviour. A panel will then judge all entries and 100 winners will be invited to the awards ceremony in London, where they will win £1,000 towards tackling anti-social behaviour in their area.

The nominations from across the District include people who have collected a wide range of evidence on assaults, criminal damage, violent behaviour, intimidation and graffiti and have helped the authorities target individuals who were responsible.

Cllr Keith Loney, Cabinet member for Community Safety at Sevenoaks District Council, says: "I am delighted that these nominations have been put forward and wish them luck in the competition. They have had to put up with with serious harassment and intimidation, but their successes are proof that anti-social behaviour can be tackled when residents work in partnership together with local agencies to address the problem."

Inspector Simon Wilshaw, Chairman of the Sevenoaks District Anti-Social Behaviour Task Group, says: "I am delighted these groups have been nominated for awards.  I hope that their example will encourage others to take a stand."

The nominations have been put forward by Kent Police, West Kent Housing and Sevenoaks District Council, who are part of the Sevenoaks District Community Safety Partnership, which brings together all the agencies in the District that can have an effect on reducing crime.

The Home Office will announce the winners during earlier December.