RESIDENTS will be given a greater say in how crime and anti-social behaviour issues are dealt with.

The neighbourhood resolution panel gives residents, including victims, the opportunity to decide how low level crimes, including theft, assault, anti-social behaviour, are dealt with and how those responsible can make amends.

Due to the success of the first panel, set up in Marsh Green in 2012, the approach is being rolled out across the rest of the borough – coinciding with National Restorative Justice Week.

The panels are made up of volunteers who are trained to oversee meetings between victims and perpetrators.

Cllr Kevin Anderson, cabinet member for safer communities at Wigan Council, said: “The approach helps victims to come to terms with the crime committed against them, while encouraging the offender to take responsibility and make amends for their behaviour – helping to reduce the reoffending rate.”

The scheme is aimed at young people aged between ten and 17 years old who come to the attention of the police or other services for the first time in relation to low level crime, low level anti-social behaviour and community disputes with the aim of preventing young people from committing a crime later on in life.

Resolutions may include asking the young person to directly repair any damage they have caused, writing an apology to the victim or completing reparation work to benefit the local community.

The scheme is a joint enterprise between Greater Manchester Police and Wigan Council’s Restorative Solutions team who have offered a quality restorative justice service since 2002.

To volunteer for the scheme, email team leader Graham Doubleday at restorativesolutions@wigan.gcsx.gov.uk.