A MULTI-AGENCY action week to step up the fight against crime and anti-social behaviour is to take place on Thetford's Abbey Estate .Next week's Respect Action Week aims to get the community involved in tackling issues of concern raised by local residents.

A MULTI-AGENCY action week to step up the fight against crime and anti-social behaviour is to take place on Thetford's Abbey Estate .

Next week's Respect Action Week aims to get the community involved in tackling issues of concern raised by local residents.

Representatives from local

agencies, organisations and

voluntary groups - including police, fire service and Breckland Council - aim to work together to make the neighbourhood cleaner and safer for everyone.

Activities planned include high visibility police patrols and enforcement activity, advising residents about housing and community safety issues, environmental clean-ups and education.

The first Respect Action Week on the Abbey was held in April. This

follow-up will see if any improvements have been made to the quality of

life of local residents and to

establish any emerging issues on the estate.

Organiser community safety officer PC Paul Smith said: “All the

partner agencies in Thetford have worked very effectively in the past under the banner of Civic Pride which incorporates the Respect Action Week ethos.

“The previous event on the

Abbey Estate was a good example

of effective partnership working and we hope the revisit is just as successful.”

David Seaton, regional director of Peddars Way Housing Association, said: “Reducing and preventing crime doesn't sit with one particular organisation. When partner organisations all have one common aim and work together proactively, positive outcomes can be achieved.

“As part of the Respect Programme, we will be carrying out surveys with some of our residents to determine their concerns on crime and anti-social behaviour issues. A mobile police station will also be on hand to assist residents on the Abbey Estate.”

Local people are being encouraged to get involved in a community litter pick around the Abbey Community Centre on Saturday, November 29, starting at 10am - followed by a complimentary hot soup and roll provided by Breckland Council.

A Christmas activity event, making recycled Christmas decorations, will be held between 12.30pm and 2.30pm at the Abbey Community Centre on November 29.

Children under 16 wanting to take part in the litter pick and recycled Christmas decoration activities without a parent/guardian, must get a parental consent form from the Abbey Community Centre and ensure it is handed in before the event.

Agencies involved in Respect

Action Week include Norfolk Constabulary, Norfolk Fire and

Rescue Service, Breckland Council, Peddars Way Housing Association, Thetford Town Council, Norfolk Trading Standards, Youth Locality Services, Granta Housing, D.V.L.A, Gang Master Licensing, Drug

and Alcohol Action Team, St

Matthews Housing and the Primary Care Trust.

Contact Thetford SNT on 0845 456 4567 or e-mail sntthetford@norfolk.

pnn.police.uk.