believe housing Chief Executive Alan Smith to retire at end of year
The Chief Executive of one of the largest housing associations in north-east England has announced his planned retirement at the end of this year.
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Led by community safety organisation Resolve, the campaign runs from 29 June to 5 July, highlighting the impact of antisocial behaviour — which recent research shows affects over half of UK adults — and the importance of creating safer communities.
Antisocial behaviour can make everyday life feel stressful, upsetting or unsafe, but help is available. All reports to believe housing are taken seriously, with a range of approaches used to address and resolve issues, including working with partner organisations where appropriate.
Antisocial behaviour means behaviour that causes harm, alarm or distress to others. This can include:
Some everyday noise, such as children playing or normal DIY, is not usually considered antisocial behaviour. However, if something happens repeatedly, feels targeted, or makes someone feel unsafe, it is important to report it.
Other issues, such as drug use, harassment or threatening behaviour, can also be crimes. Please report any concerns to us and, where a crime may have taken place or someone is at immediate risk, contact the police.
Every report is looked at carefully so the response can be right for the situation. The first step is to listen, understand what has happened, and talk through the options.
This may include gathering evidence, keeping customers updated, giving advice, supporting mediation, or working with partners such as the police or local council. In some cases, warnings may be issued or action taken under the tenancy.
Legal action is only considered if the issue is serious, ongoing, or cannot be resolved in another way. This could include applying for an injunction or, in the most serious cases, taking steps to end a tenancy.
Eviction is always a last resort. Wherever possible, work is carried out with customers to resolve issues, reduce the impact on others, and help them keep their home. Any decision to evict must be backed by evidence and decided by a court.
No one should have to put up with antisocial behaviour.
If you feel safe and comfortable, you may want to speak to your neighbour first about minor issues. A calm and polite conversation can often resolve things early and stop them getting worse.
If the problem continues, or you do not feel able to do this, report it to us as soon as possible so the right support can be put in place.
The more detail you can give, the easier it is to understand what has happened. This includes:
Photos, diary notes or police reference numbers can also help build a clearer picture. Reporting concerns can feel difficult, but clear information from named witnesses helps us take the right action.
Some situations go beyond general antisocial behaviour and need a more urgent response. These include:
In some cases, individuals may be vulnerable or being exploited, even if the behaviour appears to be coming from their home.
If someone is being harmed, controlled or targeted, it should be reported straight away. If there is immediate danger or a crime taking place, contact the police.
If you are experiencing or witnessing antisocial behaviour, get in touch as soon as possible so the right support can be put in place.
If there is immediate danger or a crime taking place, contact the police.
You can also report crimes or antisocial behaviour anonymously through the independent Crimestoppers charity by visiting their website or calling 0800 555 111.
Small actions make a big difference to how safe and comfortable neighbourhoods feel and can help avoid conflict.
Customers are encouraged to:
The Chief Executive of one of the largest housing associations in north-east England has announced his planned retirement at the end of this year.
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Community groups across County Durham are being encouraged to apply for funding to help bring local people together, tackle inequalities and create opportunities for residents.
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Planning approval has paved the way for believe housing to deliver 90 affordable homes, bringing forward the next phase of a long-term regeneration scheme in County Durham.
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Planning permission has been granted for a £5.5m affordable housing development in Durham, marking a major step forward in the regeneration of the site and helping to meet housing need.
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