A new initiative to tackle anti-social behaviour was launched across Essex yesterday. 

The anti-social behaviour (ASB) case review is to support victims of persistent anti-social behaviour who believe they have been failed by support networks of the police, councils, social housing and health providers.

In Epping Forest, the process can be triggered if a victim has experienced three incidents of ASB or one incident of hate crime within the last six months and believe that no action has been taken.

A new ASB Case Review panel consisting of relevent specialists to each case will work with the victim and try to reach an agreeable outcome, say Epping Forest District Council.

A council spokesman said the national policy was formed as a response to the failure to properly help the family of Fiona Pilkington, who killed herself and her severely disabled daughter Francecca Hardwick, after years of torment by youths.

The had complained to Leicestershire Police 33 times over the course of 10 years, after being kept virtual prisoners by youths in their home near Hinckley.

Nicola Beach, chair of Safer Essex, said she hoped the policy would prevent incidents like this again.

She said: “I’m delighted that the ASB case review is being introduced across all parts of Essex. We know that cases of repeat, persistent ASB can blight people’s lives.

“We also know that it is in those persistent cases where sadly, on rare occasions, serious harm can occur.”

Councillor Gary Waller, Cabinet portfolio holder for community safety also welcomed the initiative.

He said: “Dealing with anti-social behaviour nearly always requires a team approach.

"The underlying causes are often many and complex. Every effort goes into ensuring different organisations work together with victims.

"Any initiative that supports that process can only be welcome.”