It's still quiet

It is still quiet - we still have about 15 kids in the street but they are playing normal kids games like tick, riding bikes, chatting etc.. They are not damaging property or distressing residents.

We have noticed a pattern to the more serious incidents of anti social behaviour - It all kicks off when just one lad comes down from Anfield to visit his absent father. When he is down, the older kids in the street follow him around up until 11pm and the police get called constantly. At this minute, he is down and history tells us there will be trouble so I'm not relaxing just yet!

I will have to type up a letter to the ASB Unit to give them an update on all of the log numbers. I have been reluctant because it is going to mean a dog being confiscated and destroyed. I didn't want that on my conscience but it has been pointed out to me that neither would I want someone's serious injury from this dog on my conscience if I did nothing - it isn't the dogs fault though - it is the owners for not keeping it under control. I think the clincher though is him just standing there while his grandson told the dog to fetch a passer by - someone he didn't even know - I know because I know the lad the dog was set upon - that is what frightens me, who will it be next time AND if he can do this in front of his grandad, what is he capable of behind his back?

On another note: 'How much does it cost to send kids to school?'

Bus fares: £13 (2 kids, 5 days, 65p each fare)
Break money for 2 seniors: £10 (£1 each per day so they can get a drink and a biscuit)
Packed lunch for 3: £20 (they are all entitled to free school meals but said they were so disgusting they couldn't eat them - we're talking sh!te here, twizzlers, nuggets, pizza, chips etc)
Tuck money for junior: £1 (20p per day)
Compulsory set DONATION to senior's school funds: £10

Total this week: £54

Running total: £142.40

It's all been rather quiet

It has been rather quiet these last few days - there have been no gangs and as far as I am aware, the police haven't been called in a day or so.. My brother said it's like the ASBO fairy came down and waved his magic wand :)

I'm not optimistic however, it will start up again - just when you think you can relax they start up again.

I am pushing very strongly to be rehoused now - my housing officer has a legal obligation to rehouse me and their excuse that they have no properties in the areas I want really doesn't wash anymore. I can be nominated to another association, I have enough evidence to prove that my family's health is seriously suffering so I cannot and will not be ignored or forgotten any longer. I have spoken to my husband and he has agreed to help me stage a sit in at my housing associations head office on the Strand! He has acute agoraphobia so it goes to show how desperate we both are to get out of here!

I haven't mentioned before but some of you will be asking why I don't go private - I have heard far too many horror stories and seen too many people made homeless with just a month to find alternative accommodation. With the council and RSL's knocking family properties down in favour of flats, no one has anywhere to go and they end up in hostels.

One woman I helped had been so desperate to move she signed a private landlords tenancy without really looking at the small print. He turned up one day with a list of urgent and major repairs that needed doing on the property - it turned out that the tenancy had made her liable for every repair. The landlord had also been letting himself in to her property and helped himself to her CD collection. She is now in a RSL property and is very happy.

I am registered with Berrybridge (riverside subsidiary) and the majority of their 3 bedroomed houses are going to over 25's with no children - with the current housing crisis this is so wrong! Even still, I have a 5 year wait before being offered anything - they don't do a points system and they don't recognise medical grounds - these were council properties once and we would have stood a very strong chance of getting one - not any more!

I am also with property pool and the only properties I am allowed to bid on each week are in Anfield and Walton which are by far amongst the worst and most deprived areas in Liverpool. The turn over rate on these properties is astounding!

I am also on the HOMES register which is a national database for council and RSL tenants who want to exchange. The only people who want to exchange with me are from Norris Green where kids are being shot at - no thanks - been there, done that!

So, we have to sit and wait. Our kids haven't been outside alone since January 2005, my husband has become severely agoraphobic and I have had several nervous breakdowns - I fear I will end up being sectioned one of these days......

ASB Update 7

A neighbour had to call the police out again today because of the regular gang that lives in the street. They were using tennis rackets to whack stones and gravel out of an elderly residents front all over the street. It was hitting houses, windows, cars, people etc - the damn stuff was flying everywhere. As soon as the police sent a patrol down they donned their hoodies to avoid identification - pity they were all wearing very distinctive football kits!

It's quiet tonight - it's raining slightly and there is school tomorrow - I have to take my son in tomorrow to see his head mistress. Everyone I have spoken to has said that I should demand that his tormentor be expelled - the police said with juveniles it should be 3 strikes and you're out. He probably won't be expelled as the council doesn't like it - what happens instead is that the parents are told to find another school before they are expelled - knowing expulsion will go on a permanent record they usually switch schools.

All I know is my son has spent the weekend holding onto his stomach. He is getting spasms and his face contorts with worry. I am always positive when my children are around and I have always taught them that these things happen and we must learn to deal with them, learn from them and inevitably we become better people - we just have to be strong. Inside, it is killing me but he won't see that - if I am strong willed then he will be too and this is just another hurdle we have to jump over..

ASB Update 6

Saturday 16th September 2006

I have been informed that the police were called again today because the mongrel dog I have mentioned previously escaped from its home today. The owner was on his step as was his evil grandson. Just as a local lad was walking past, the evil little sh!t told the dog to fetch - in front of his grandad who just stood there and did absolutely nothing while his dog bit this lad encouraged by his evil grandson - it defies belief! Fortunately, this local lad knows what has been going on and reported the matter to the police - I will be chasing this up on Monday!

The police have been called out so many times since the ASB Unit called out yet nothing is being done - I just hope they are gathering all this evidence or it will be a massive waste of time and energy.. I'll have to ask for an update - I've had enough of waiting..

Police, police and more police...

I informed the school yesterday (Thursday) and had a meeting with one of the Welfare Officers who is disgusted that such a threat has come from one of their pupils. I am very lucky that our school deals with bullying and intimidation immediately and effectively and they also offer counselling and confidence building sessions for the 'victim' who will also have an advocate assigned to them. The advocates are children in year 6 who have been trained to listen and help younger pupils which works really well. The Head Mistress is absolutely, 100% dedicated to 'her children' and this has upset her as much as it has upset us.

I had to take my son to the police station for 7.45am as I was told he would have to make a statement. On getting there, I was told it wouldn't be right for him to testify if an ASBO case went to court and therefore I should simply log the incident and a patrol car would be sent to their house this afternoon but I never get updated so I don't know if this will actually happen..

My son couldn't face going into school. He kept asking me why it is always him that this little sh!t picks on. He said he felt sick but not in a sick type of way, more like worry and his tummy was churning. I felt so sorry for him! I kept him off school and rang them up to inform them that the police were now involved. The Head said she was calling the lads mother in after school. I have to take my son in on Monday where we will discuss the future - he doesn't want to go back while that little sh!t is there and even with the offers of counselling and advocacy it is still not fair. Why should my son have to be watched just because this dragged up little sh!t can't behave himself? I want him expelled - it is the 3rd complaint and my son has had enough.

My son is a very bright, intelligent little boy who loves reading, drawing comics and spending time with his family. The school has nominated him to take part in master classes for gifted children! He has a very bright future ahead of him. This little sh!t is heading straight for prison (according to his mother when he was just 3)!

Even now, it's 10.30pm and I am listening to these 2 brothers with a huge gang - shouting, screaming, swearing, running up and down the road with a cricket bat which is being swung at everything in its way.. the police have been called again!

So, 2 more log numbers for the book and still no peace of mind - soul destroying!

On another note..... 'How much does it cost to send kids to school?'

Bus fares: £13 (2 kids, 5 days, 65p each fare)
Break money for 2 seniors: £10 (£1 each per day so they can get a drink and a biscuit)
Packed lunch for 3: £20 (they are all entitled to free school meals but said they were so disgusting they couldn't eat them - we're talking sh!te here, twizzlers, nuggets, pizza, chips etc)
Tuck money for junior: £1 (20p per day)
School trip for junior: £5

Total this week: £49

Running total: £88.40

My family's safety threatened

My 8 year-old-son came home today and told me that one of the troublemakers who is also in his class at school told him that he was going to burn our house down, he and his 14 year old brother. My son is now terrified.

This is the 3rd time this little sh!t has bullied my son. In year 2 he physically assaulted him for several weeks until he had a breakdown. In year 3 her threatened him with physical violence and made him ill once again and now in year 4 he is threatening to burn our home down! What gets me the most is 8 year olds aren't that sinister - he has picked this up from somewhere meaning someone in my neighbourhood is talking about burning my house down.. it could be another child or it could be an adult - either way, it is very frightening. I'm taking this further - they are not getting away with this - my poor son is having nightmares as I type - this is so wrong!!!

Police Call Out

Tuesday 12th September 2006

The police called at the main trouble makers address today - God only knows what for. Her 2 girls were still running wild until late. The ASB Unit have told us that if trouble makers are coming into our road to visit a resident then it is that residents responsibility to make sure they behave.

These gangs have been coming to see these 2 girls so it is their mother's responsibility although I don't think she knows the meaning of the word!

Now, I was told that I would be kept informed of what was going on in my case but no-one is telling me. I am not going to chase this up again - they said they would contact me, not the other way around.. Let's see how long it takes!

ASB Update 5

Monday 11th September 2006

The police were called yet again to the same gang only this time, because they were trying to push a residents window in by jumping against it and throwing rocks at each other but missing and hitting property the police decided it was time to come out and move them on.

The police left and one of the girls we have been having a lot of trouble with told the gang not to move but to sit outside her house instead - defying the police again. So there they stayed, causing trouble and distress while the owner of the house hid himself away like the bad guardian he is!

Another resident has informed me that this new gang have been seen in another road with BB guns - all four of them! They shoot at each other, passers-by and cars - they must have been reported because there is no way people will tolerate this - there is also a wannabe councillor who lives in the same road so she won't tolerate it..

Nightmare night

The police were called again tonight after a new gang emerged on the scene weilding a golf club and nearly smashing one residents windows - the police however decided it was a catagory 3 call and several hours later there is still no sign of them.. This new gang now think they have got away with it and will be back tomorrow.

There were gangs running up and down until 9pm - I'm going to bed now and I can still hear them - how their parents can't is beyond me - it is sickening! They should be ashamed of themselves!

ASB Update 4

The gangs are back - running wild in the street only they are staying away from my end of the street and terrorising the residents at the other end.. Why do their parents stand by and watch it - it is disgraceful!


'How much does it cost to send kids to school?'

Bus fares: £8.40 (2 kids, 3 days, 70p each fare)
Break money for 2 seniors: £10 (£1 each per day so they can get a drink a biscuit)
Packed lunch for 3: £20 (they are all entitled to free school meals but said they were so disgusting they couldn't eat them - we're talking sh!te here, twizzlers, nuggets, pizza, chips etc)
Tuck money for junior £1 (20p per day)

Total this week: £39.40

The real cost of Education!

Wednesday 6th September 2006

I have 3 children. 2 are in senior school and one in Junior school. I am also entitled to a school clothing grant because I don't earn much.. Liverpool City Council gave me £40 each for my seniors and £20 for my junior £100 in total. Have a guess how much it actually cost me to get my kids kitted out for school... well, you don't have to because I have a complete breakdown of everything I had to buy and it is shocking! Instead of just leaving it there I've decided to keep a running total of everything I have to pay out to get my kids to school. At the end of each week look out for a title saying 'How much does it cost to send kids to school?' But for now, it's uniforms and accessories!

Junior's Uniform:
2 Jumpers £13.65 With school logo (£06.99 each)
2 Pants £10 (£05.00 each)
3 Shirts £05
PE. Top £05
Shorts £05
Pumps £02.99
Pump Bag £01.99
Underwear £05
Socks £03.99
Lunch Box £05
Total: £57.62

2 Senior Uniforms:
4 Blouses £35.96 (£08.99 each)
2 PE Shirts £27.98 (£13.99 each)
2 Jumpers £15.98 (£07.99 each)
2 PE Shorts £9.98 (£04.99 each)
2 Blazers £45.98 (£22.99 each)
2 Skirts £30.98 (£12.99 a-line)
(£17.99 pleated)
Underwear x 8 £31.92 (£03.99 each)
Socks x 8 £10 (£05.00 each)
Total £208.78

3 Pairs of shoes: £59.97 (£19.99 each)
2 Pairs of trainers £39.98 (£19.99 each)
3 Coats £60 (£20.00 each)
2 School Bags £29.98 (£14.99 each)
Pencil Cases £07.50 (£02.50 each)
Stationary x 3 lots £09 (£03.00 each)
Total £206.43

PE Shirts embroided to stop thefts (happened last year!) £8 (£4 each)
Cotton Gloves for one of them who has severe eczema and cannot handle clay, washing up etc £2.90 (£01.45 each)

Total £10.90

Grand Total = £483.73

Eye watering or what? Wait till the end of the year for all the expenses that go with sending children to school!

If you need help with the costs of sending your children to school, click here for more information..

ASB Update 3

Tuesday 5th September 2006

I was told by a neighbour that they had to report the 3 families that have been causing trouble to the police. They let another dog loose and it bit someone. Now this dog is a nasty, small, yappy mongrel and most people would laugh at it but the point is this - if it was a large dog, it would be put down almost immediately. Just because it is small does not give it the right to bite people.
Now this dog didn't just escape, the kids waited for someone to walk past and then let it out and then they closed the gate behind it so it couldn't back into it's house. The owner was hiding in his house, he was supposed to watch these kids but he never does (they are his grandchildren and step grandchildren and they all live in the same street). This is the same family who own the Akita and since they are no longer allowed to terrorise residents with this dog, they are using the mongrel - wrongly thinking that the law won't cover it!

Another neighbour told me that they reported 2 families for breaching the no ball games order. Our car was hit by the ball twice and they aren't even playing in our road - they boot it out deliberately!

At least people are starting to report these little sh!ts!

ASB Update 2

Sunday 3rd September 2006

My end of the street was once again quiet - in saying quiet, I mean there wasn't any trouble that I've been complaining about. These Asian kids though are starting to annoy everyone. They were banging on the window of a lady who has just moved in even though she asked them not to and the little 18 month girl was screaming as if she was being murdered for over 2 hours - in the street! I can't see into the Grove where all the trouble is, I can just hear it. It got so bad yesterday I had to shut all my windows.

ASB Update

Actual date of writing (my net crashed!!) 02nd September 06

The gangs were out again last night. At 5pm, we could hear an 8-year-old I called J (I would love to use his full name but can't!) fing and blinding. He was in one of the Groves. Then his 13-year-old brother started parading up and down the street with a rottweiler type dog. I didn't see it so I couldn't report it but the person who told me said it was dragging him everywhere. At around 10pm we hear J again, this time in his own street screaming at the top of his voice that he has the worst dad in the world and for once I totally agree with him!

Apart from them two there was not much trouble up my end of the street. Their mother really needs some parenting classes!!!

Council's ASB Letter

Thursday 31st August 2006

The council came round today posting the letters they promised to and they are very good. Some of my good neighbours were out when they were delivered and I could see them pointing everywhere, obviously saying who they had trouble with.

This is what the letter said:

Dear Resident,

Re: Anti-scoial Behaviour

I have received reports of Anti Social Behaviour in your area. Complaints made include:-

• Criminal Damage
• No Ball Game Signs not being complied with.
• General Anti Social Behaviour.
• Dogs being unsupervised.

Liverpool Anti Social Behaviour Unit is working closely with Merseyside Police, in order to identify the individuals responsible and take the appropriate action to curb their behaviour.

If you have any information on individuals known to be taking part in the above Anti Social Behaviour, I would encourage you to contact me on the above telephone number or Merseyside Police at Admiral Street.

ALL INFORMATION GIVEN WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE

With your help, we can put an end to this behaviour which is blighting the lives of residents in your community.

Signed

Liverpool Anti Social Behaviour Unit & Merseyside Police.


Now this is exactly what we wanted. The biggest difference between the gangs in our roads and those elsewhere are that these gangs live in our road. They break with tradition and actually sh!t on their own doorsteps. The reason being their parents don't care about them and turn a blind eye or they dump their kids in the street and then go galavanting. Even still, they KNOW that everyone is fed up with them because none of them can walk down the road with their heads up - they all have their heads down pretending to text someone on their phones until they get out of the street.

Only time is going to tell now if the letter will work, what it has done however, is informed residents that they don't have to put up with it. Our community has been fracturing because of these gangs. People who moved here 40, 50 years ago to raise their families are now selling up and either students, asylum seekers or private landlords take over the house and none of these people have the intention of staying here and building a community so they don't care. No one speaks to each other any more so no one confided in each other.

Some residents were being threatened with physical violence such as in one case where a gang where playing football, using foul language and damaging peoples property they were told to go in their own road. The request was met with 'I'm gonna get my dad to fcuk you all over the place' - the dad is a psycho who has been locked up for ABH & GBH. Before the ASBU got involved, this guy was on his own, now people can report what they see. The mother of these lads in particular needs parenting classes - all she is interested in is what she looks like - she can't even get her youngest into school on time and it is quite obvious by the fake tan, nails, make-up and hair that she had plenty of time to get him in.