MEMBERS of the public are being encouraged to report anti-social behaviour (ASB) they witness to help make their communities safer.

Recent figures, from YouGov research commissioned by ASB and community safety organisation Resolve, show 56 per cent of people feel 'more needs to be done' to tackle the problem.

But according to the data, 57 per cent of ASB witnesses or victims did not report it to anyone.

Now residents in Northwich and Winsford are being given the chance to report ASB and get advice on how reports are dealt with.

Next week the Weaver Vale Housing Trust will be conducting several walkabouts in the two towns alongside PCSOs from Cheshire Police.

It is part of ASB Awareness Week 2022, which runs from July 18 to July 22 and aims to encourage communities to take a stand and highlight actions that can be taken by victims.

Sylvia Pascoe, neighbourhood experience manager at Weaver Vale, said: "We remain totally committed to working with our customers, the wider community and partners to reduce anti-social behaviour.

"The effects of ASB on communities is serious and can cause lasting damage.

"We treat all incidences of ASB very seriously and would call upon customers and communities to work with us to reduce this unacceptable behaviour for the good of everyone."

The national ASB awareness campaign is organised by Resolve and features a series of events all across the country involving councils, police forces, housing associations, charities, community groups and sports clubs.

Weaver Vale Housing Trust is urging members of the public not to suffer in silence if they experience ASB.

Incidents can be reported to the anti-social behaviour team at Weaver Vale and at Cheshire West and Chester Council, or to the police if people feel that they are at immediate risk or in danger.

The trust's Northwich walkabouts will take place in Weaverham at 3.30pm on Monday, July 18, in Rudheath at 10am and Cuddington at 3.30pm on Tuesday, July 19, and in Leftwich at 1pm on Thursday, July 21.

In Winsford, the walkabouts will take place in Greenfields at 9.30am and the Over Estate at 10am on July 18, on the Grange Estate at 2pm on July 21.

The team will also be visiting Crook Lane and Wharton Gardens at 11am and the Dene Estate at 12pm on Friday, July 22.

Rebecca Bryant OBE, chief executive of Resolve, added: “ASB is not low-level crime. It can have a long-lasting impact on the lives of victims and communities and can be a precursor to more serious crime.

“It is important that the challenge of ASB continues to be given the priority it needs so that people everywhere feel safe in their homes and communities.  

“We are delighted that Weaver Vale supporting this hugely important campaign. It is vital to develop partnership approaches across communities to deal with the growing challenges around ASB.”