A Local Action Team (LAT) is a group made up of local residents who want to improve their area. With the main focus of a LAT being reducing crime and antisocial behaviour and looking at ways to make an area safer, LAT meetings are attended by Sussex Police, ward councillors and council staff who work with residents to identify problems and helpful responses to neighbourhood concerns. There are about 35 LATs across Brighton & Hove and their activities are recorded on the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership website www.safeinthecity.info

The West Hill area is not currently covered by a LAT, and residents have contacted the council asking that a Local Action Team for the area be initiated. The type of issues which have been raised include; night noise, graffiti, fly-tipping and disorderly behaviour.

The council Environment Improvement Team and ward councillor Pete West will be holding an open meeting on Wednesday 20 January 2010 and the aim of this will be to consider local issues and explore with the community the potential of establishing a West Hill Action Team. For this initiative the West Hill Action Team will include the area bounded by the Clock Tower, Queens Road/Terminus Road/Howard Place, Seven Dials and Dyke Road.

If you are worried about crime or anti-social behaviour in the West Hill area and would like to play a part in improving things, go to the first West Hill Action Team (W.H.A.T.) open meeting at the Brighthelm Community Centre, Hanover Room, on Wednesday 20 January 2010 at 6.30pm.

If you would like to find out more, or pass on any concerns before the meeting, please contact:

Cllr Pete West Pete.west@brighton-hove.gov.uk or phone 01273 296431

Simon Banister, Brighton & Hove City Council Environment Improvements
Simon.bannister@brighton-hove.gov.uk or phone 01273 293925