By Andrew Clarke

Last updated 15:48, Wednesday, 29 October 2008

DISTINGTON Rural Safety Group has received a national award recognising its dedication to tackling anti-social behaviour.

The village has seen a 43 per cent reduction in rowdy or inconsiderate youth behaviour between January and July this year to the corresponding period in 2007.

Sgt Richard Farnworth and PC Adrian Braniff went to Chorley to receive the 2008 North West Home Office National Tilley Award from Gail Porter, of the Government Office North West.

The award celebrates what can be achieved by tackling crime by involving the whole community.

Distington Rural Safety Group’s initiatives were held up as best practice and the officers were asked to give a presentation to ASB co-ordinators and officers from around the country after receiving their award.

Members contacted every household in the village and youth anti-social behaviour was identified as the main issue of local concern, particularly at Main Street. To tackle the issue, Distington Rural Safety Group was established, which included Cumbria Constabulary, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, the parish council, doctors’ surgery, the local schools, Social Services, Youth Club, Church, Community Centre, Home/Copeland Housing, Cumbria County Council and Connexions.

Sgt Farnworth, who made the initial application for the award, said: “The results in Distington have been dramatic. “Anti-social behaviour involving local youths has dramatically reduced.

“The Rural Safety Group has received local and national recognition for its excellent problem-solving partnership work and is seen as an inspiration to others facing similar problems.

“Tackling anti-social behaviour is not the job of police alone and the Distington Rural Safety Group shows that only through working together can we make our communities safer and stronger.”

Andrew Cannon, head teacher of Distington Community School, said: “The group has made an enormous impact on my school and in the village, not just in tackling the issues but also in community cohesion.

“The community want to do something to improve their village and the group has been an influential focus

“The support/role of the police has been crucial.

“The unity and focus has culminated in a level of determination I am proud to be associated with.

“As for my school, I am amazed at the ownership and respect the community give – for example I have had no vandalism, broken windows or anti-social behaviour to deal with since the group began taking action.”

PC Braniff is in the running for a national community-officer-of-the-year award, in London, on November 13.

Cumbria’s Chief Constable, Craig Mackey, said: “Adrian has made a real difference to the people of Distington. It has evolved from an area that has suffered high levels of anti-social behaviour to an area that people can be proud of.”