But will it be any help to people in Horsford, Mr Blair ?

We read and see today that Tony Blair is on again about tackling anti-social behaviour and social exclusion whilst making clear the link between these two issues.

I'm not one to simply attack Blair because he is not in the same political party as me (unlike some other rather poisonous political bloggers in the Norwich area), but I think he has to realise that there are problems of anti-social behaviour that need to be tackled immediately, because we've had a lot of talk from Mr Blair, not always matched by action, and people people are at the end of their tether in some communities over the problem of kids running riot.

I actually agree with a lot of what Tony Blair has said today. We do need to do more for families who are dysfunctional and are not contributing anything meaningful to society. However, when Mr Blair's own government continues to starve local government of the funds to provide facilities, and support for these people whilst at the same time the government is doing nothing to support increasing the amount of social housing available for those on lower incomes, all Mr Blair does is continue to perpetuate the rule that the best way to get on the Council's housing list is to have lots of children, be single, unemployed and have numerous other problems. What sort of message does this send to people who are trying to do the best for their families if they realise that improving your lot actually works again you !

So what then will Mr Blair's policies and speeches do for Horsford ? Why Horsford ? Well, I was broght up there and have family there, but it is a village plagued by anti-social behaviour issues, bins being set alight, damage to property, loutish behaviour, you name it, all the modern ills are there. However, what are the police doing ? Well, they called a meeting with residents and councillors and happily declared afterwards that a lot of problems had been sorted. Having spoken to people who attended the meeting the their view differed compeltely from those of the police. The problems persist and the hassles continue for local residents.

The problem is, what actually can the Police do ? The kids hold the whip hand, they know the law, they know what the Police can and cannot do ? So Mr Blair, stop talking and start acting. Give the police the powers to act, but also give people a reason to improve their lot in life.