Everybody needs good neighbours!

An area of Grovehill is leading the neighbourly way, by signing up to a new pilot scheme to tackle anti-social behaviour.
On Sunday 15 June, the Dacorum Community Safety Partnership Dacorum Borough Council launched a Good Neighbourhood Agreement, with more than 100 people from Lomond Road, Rannock Walk and Leven Way attending the event.
The simple agreement asks residents to ensure they take responsibility for a number of issues, including:

• To take responsibility for their children
• To be aware of excessive noise
• To dispose of rubbish correctly.

In return, the Council is assuring residents that it will;

• Fully investigate complaints of anti-social behaviour
• Offer a mediation service in neighbour disputes
• Work closely with other agencies, like the police, to deal with complaints effectively.

Councillor Colette Wyatt-Lowe, Chair of the Dacorum Community Safety Partnership said 'It was good to see so many residents committed to this Agreement, and seeing bridges being built between residents with differing views. The whole idea has been accepted and welcomed by local residents who are already reporting improvements in the area. To top the day off the children had a great time with the craft and face painting opportunities thanks to some very committed volunteers.'

Roger Andrews Chairman, Grovehill West Residents Association said 'I was extremely pleased with the turnout of the launch, which was due to the hard work of DBC Officers Julie Still, Gill Barber and other staff that attended on the day, of which I offer my grateful thanks. A door has opened for this estate, that I hope will never close”

The Council's Anti-social Behaviour, Housing, Resident Involvement and Community Development teams all took part in Sunday's launch, as well as Grovehill Councillors, the Police, the Fire Service and the local Residents Association all on hand to answer any questions. Entertainment was also put on for families, with face-painting and plant-potting laid on for children.

This is the first Good Neighbourhood Agreement in Hertfordshire and there are only a handful such Agreements in the UK. If the Grovehill pilot is successful, it is hoped this model will then be rolled out to other parts of the Borough.

Dacorum's Community Safety Partnership - including Dacorum Borough Council, Hertfordshire Constabulary, the Primary Healthcare Trust, Herts County Council and the Fire and Rescue Service - aims to make Dacorum even safer and more pleasant and to provide a background where people, communities and businesses can flourish.