Anti-Social Behaviour Forum - Palmerston

Held in the Palmerston Rec Centre tonight was an Anti-Social Behaviour Forum organised by Palmerston City Council. On the panel was Mayor Robert Macleod, Chief Minister Paul Hendersen, Opposition Leader Terry Mills and two high ranking Police Officers. The Palmerston public fired away questions and let off some steam about the anti-social behaviour in Palmerston. Some of the key discussion points were:
* 18 Families seem to be the Core offenders and instigators of anti-social behaviour in Palmerston.
* Should teenagers be allowed to roam the streets when on suspension, when really they are supposed to be punished to some degree for their behaviour?
* The Government should be doing more, etc, etc.

Terry Mills mentioned that we all have a part to play in the safety of a community. How many of those that attended tonight (especially those voicing very passionately about stopping anti-social behaviour), how many of these people are part of neighbourhood watch, or part of a non-for profit group that is working at changing this. Sure, many are, but we cannot just complain about Government's needing to do more, or police need to do more, etc, because we need to be part of the solution as well.

As the Mayor Robert Macleod said, 'Palmerston is a great place to live', and I agree. Lets work at finding solutions to those age old issues of violence, teenage boredom, bad parenting and shallow education.