Labour announce that 101 number is to be 'gone-oh-gone'

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 20th Nov 2007

101 number is to be 'gone-oh-gone' under Labour

Local Liberal Democrats have launched a campaign to reverse Labour's decision to cut funding for Sheffield's popular anti-social behavior number. Lib Dems have been angered that Labour are set to cut one of Sheffield's key tools to tackle anti-social behaviour, despite making previous pledges to tackle the yobs that blight communities.

The 101 service allows local people to report non-emergencies such as noise nuisance, vandalism and anti-social behavior. Since the number started in May 2006 it has been hailed as a success.

There have been over 85,000 calls, which is equivalent to 1 in 6 people in Sheffield using the service. An impressive 88% of customers reported that they where satisfied with the handling of their call and the outcome of the call.

The Labour Government will no longer fund the service despite spending £7.5m to set the service up in Sheffield, and four other areas, plus committing £14.5m for running costs since May last year.

Lib Dems have highlighted the lack of common sense in spending millions to raise awareness of the 101 number, only to cut funding for the service a few months later.

Cllr Bob McCann, Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet member for Safer Neighbourhoods, said: -

"It's clear that the 101 service is popular with local people and is a key tool for tackling anti-social behaviour in Sheffield. Therefore I'm disappointed that the 101 number is set to be gone-oh-gone under Labour. This move will make it harder for the public to report anti-social behaviour issues, and therefore harder to deal with those causing the problems in our local neighbourhoods."

"This just shows that Labours tough talk on how they are committed to tackling the yobs that blight our communities is only that, talk. There is plenty of money to fund gimmicks that look good in press release but don't work in practice. However, when it comes to a service that is making a difference the money can't be found."

"It makes no sense at all to spend millions on promoting the 101 number, only to cut funding for the service a few months later."

"We will be campaigning to reverse this decision by Labour. We believe that local people want to keep the popular 101 service because it works. To lose this service now would be a huge step backwards in making Sheffield a safe place for everyone."