FUNDING to combat antisocial behaviour is responsible for almost one quarter of next year's 4.7 percent rate increase. The Wanganui District Council agreed on the rate rise at Thursday's council meeting, bringing it to the level of inflation predicted by the Reserve Bank. But Mayor Michael Laws said it could have beenlower were it not for the rise in antisocial behaviour, which he said was worth at least one percent of the 4.7 percent increase. The council unanimously agreed to set aside $245,000 of ratepayers' money, and extra in capital funds, for projects including CCTV, and park security. The existing closed-circuit camera fund more than doubled, increasing from $60,000 to $160,000. Three new closed-circuit cameras will be installed to widen coverage of the liquor ban area. One will show activity on the bridge, while a further two will record the top end of Victoria Ave, near the Gull service station and Glasgow St. A $25,000 package was approved to enact changes to the Parsons St lookout at St John's Hill. Although the specifics of the plan remain undecided, the lookout may soon be locked after dark, or extra cameras erected to dissuade potential offenders. "Parsons St has become a monument to antisocial behaviour," Mr Laws said, citing boy racers, vandalism, and illegal drinking as particular concerns. Further funding included $50,000 to hire an enforcement officer, charged with ensuring compliance across several council schemes, and a $120,000 boost to the littler and graffiti teams. A full-time supervisor will be appointed for the project, replacing the current casual arrangement. Mr Laws said it was unfortunate ratepayers had to bear the cost for curbing antisocial behaviour, and stressed it would affect everyone in the community for the next 12 months. "Making our city and community safer was the prime imperative at yesterday's council meeting," he said. "Given the gaps in policing and enforcement, we are given no option but to plug the gap, and for every dollar we spend in this area, that's a dollar less that community groups get or the ratepayer can keep in their pocket." To emphasis this, the council agreed to include the actual cost of anti-social behavior on rate bills. People would then be able to see the effect it had on their own pockets, Mr Laws said.
