11/09/2003

Pioneering crime-busting centre to be opened in Liverpool

Liverpool is to be the location for Britain's first American-style community justice centre, Home Secretary David Blunkett has announced.

The announcement came during a fact-finding visit to Merseyside by the Home Office ministerial team and senior Home Office Board members. Mr Blunkett said that the area was chosen for the visit, because it was seeking innovative ways to tackle difficult social problems.

An initial amount of £3 million is set to go towards developing the new crime-busting centre, which will deal with perpetrators of low-level crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.

Social services and criminal justice agencies will also be based alongside the courtroom in order to provide offenders with quick and easy access to the support they need to get back on track.

David Blunkett said: "The centre will act as focal point for the community's fight against the selfish minority whose loutish and criminal behaviour is impairing their quality of life. It will combine punishment and help by providing services such as drug treatment, family and parenting support and education and training."

Full details about the location and services of the new community justice centre in North Liverpool will be announced by the end of the year.

(KmcA)

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