Sandwell Council is investing over £1million in a strengthened, borough-wide anti-social behaviour (ASB) service.
The aim is to make it easier for residents to report concerns, access support and see problems resolved more effectively.
At the heart of the new service is a single point of contact for ASB, giving residents one clear and consistent ‘front door’. Reports will be triaged in a structured way and managed end to end by a dedicated borough-wide team, ensuring clearer ownership, quicker responses and more consistent outcomes.
The investment represents a significant expansion of Sandwell’s ASB workforce, with the number of dedicated officers more than doubling from 17 to 39. The team will respond to a wide range of issues, including nuisance noise, persistent littering, neighbour disputes and harassment. While these behaviours are not always criminal, they can have a serious and lasting impact on people’s wellbeing and sense of safety if left unresolved.
This enhanced service recognises that tackling anti-social behaviour isn’t just about enforcement. It’s about preventing harm, repairing relationships and building safer, stronger communities. A restorative approach will support residents to resolve conflicts, take responsibility where harm has occurred, and rebuild relationships where it’s safe to do so. The service will also work more closely within neighbourhoods; listening to concerns, understanding local issues and making sure residents feel heard and taken seriously.
Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, said: “Residents tell us that anti-social behaviour has a real impact on how safe and supported they feel where they live. This investment is about making the service simpler to access, clearer in its response, and more effective in resolving issues that matter to people.
“We are not just focused on stopping anti-social behaviour; we want to prevent harm, repair relationships where possible, and strengthen our communities. This expanded service, alongside our £1.5million investment in CCTV in Wednesbury and West Bromwich, shows our commitment to listening to residents, taking action and ensuring no community is left behind.”
