Action in Merton (AiM) – a programme run by a partnership of Merton Council, Metropolitan Police Service (Merton), Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust (PCT), the fire brigade and other agencies – will be helping residents tackle anti-social behaviour such as graffiti, environmental crime and behaviour problems as well as offering advice on health and fire safety in a partly Home Office funded event later this month.

The Home Office has provided the money to help the council raise awareness of the many anti-social behaviour services provided in the borough. Members of AiM are supporting the event in Mitcham town centre on Saturday 21 March and will be offering residents other services, including help on quitting smoking and eating healthily. School nurses will be giving advice on child behaviour and how to make sure children enjoy a healthy lifestyle while fire officers will be offering tips on cooking safely.

Police teams will be on hand to advise residents how to help prevent crime and trading standards officers will be explaining their work. Radio Jackie will be hosting the event which kicks off at 12noon. There will also be stalls offering information on a range of topics, from drug treatment services to leisure facilities.

Chief Inspector Mark Payne said: “Everyone is welcome to come and see what Action in Merton has achieved. This is about the police and partners listening to what communities want and delivering real change that makes a difference to people’s daily lives.”

Merton Council’s cabinet member for community safety and engagement Councillor Tariq Ahmad said: “We are determined to put the health and the safety of our residents first. Everyone is invited to come along on 21 March and find out what Action in Merton is doing to help residents and also pick up some tips on how they can keep themselves healthy and safe.”

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