- Survey of British gripes and grievances -
UK survey –
Startling new research reveals the extent to which the British public feel their communities are plagued by yob culture, binge drinking and dog mess.
The National Crime and Grime Survey conducted by ICM and commissioned by CSV Make a Difference Day and Barclays, reveals what people would most like to change in their local communities regarding crime/anti- social behaviour and the environment, and how they can make changes through ‘people power’.
People from across Britain were asked to rank the top three things they would most like to change in their local communities. On issues regarding crime and anti-social behaviour the results reveal:
• 63% want street crime reduced
• 55% want to see local drug problems cleaned up
• 55% want binge drinking reduced
• 54% want to see yob culture tackled
• 27% want to see a reduction in gun crime
• 21% want to stop people urinating in public
Gun crime was the biggest concern for young people, with 42% saying it was one of the top three things they want to change, compared to just 19% of 45-54 year olds. They were also least concerned with binge drinking – only 43% of 18-24 year olds say it is one of the top three things they want to change, compared with 61% of 45-54 years.
The same sample of people was also asked to rank the top three things they would most like to change in their local communities regarding the environment. The results reveal:
• 65% want to see litter cleaned up
• 55% want to see fly-tipping tackled
• 54% want to see dog mess cleaned up
Other environmental concerns include:
• 37% want to see graffiti cleaned up
• 35% want to see a reduction in air pollution
• 30% want to see a reduction in noise pollution
The group most concerned with environmental problems were 18-24 year olds - 46% say air pollution is one of the top three things they want to change, compared to just 30% of over 65s. Graffiti also scored high with 18-24 year olds - 44% say it is one of the top three things they want to change, compared to 33% of 55-64 year olds.
Environmental concerns ranked high in inner city areas. In London 47% of people say air pollution is one of the top three things they want to change, compared to just 19% in Wales. Graffiti is also a major concern for Londoners – 50% say it is one of the top three things they want to change, compared to just 26% in Yorkshire and Humberside.
“This survey shows the scale of people’s discontent with the state of their local communities,” said Anna Gilmour, CSV Make a Difference Day Campaign Co-ordinator. “But people are not powerless to make changes. Through volunteering they can get involved and make a difference. For example someone concerned about street crime could become a special constable or a mentor for a young person at risk of offending, while those with environmental concerns could organise a litter pick or walk-to-work scheme to help reduce air pollution – the possibilities are endless.”
Rachel Barber, Head of Community Affairs at Barclays said: “Last year over 11,500 members of our staff took part in CSV Make a Difference Day. They remove graffiti, clean streets, parks and beaches and work in schools providing positive role models for young people. It’s amazing what an impact you can have in one day - our staff will also tell you how hugely rewarding it is and how many continue to volunteer once they have a taste.”
CSV Make a Difference Day is a flagship event during the Year of the Volunteer and is an opportunity for people to try volunteering to see if they enjoy it. It is the biggest single day of volunteering, with around 100,000 people taking part in activities the two weeks either side of Saturday 29th October 2005. To find out more call FREEPHONE 0800 284533 or visit the website – www.csv.org.uk/difference
Journalists can visit www.csv.org.uk/press for more information.
(Survey published: Wednesday 28th September 2005)