A week of activity focused on tackling anti-social behaviour has been welcomed by the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner.

Matthew Barber has praised the start of the national Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week, which will be marked by a range of activities in the Thames Valley.

The week, which runs from November 18 to 24, aims to encourage communities to stand against ASB and highlight the actions that can be taken by those experiencing it.

To mark the start of the week, Mr Barber visited Alternatives to Conflict (formerly known as Mediation Bucks) in High Wycombe to learn how they are supporting communities to tackle ASB through their new mediation service.

In July, Mr Barber announced £60,000 of funding for Alternatives to Conflict to provide a Thames Valley-wide mediation service over the next three years.

This service, which is open to referrals from a range of partners who deal with ASB cases, provides independent mediation support and can offer a solution when there is no clear course of action open to a statutory agency.

It also represents an alternative to court proceedings and intervention by statutory agencies.

Mr Barber said: "To mark the start of ASB Awareness Week, I had the pleasure of visiting the Alternatives to Conflict team to find out how the mediation service that I have commissioned will provide support to communities across Thames Valley who are facing issues of anti-social behaviour.

"ASB is often one of the biggest concerns our communities will face and, although it doesn’t often have a direct victim, it can cause significant harm and distress.

"Mediation services provide an important tool in attempting to resolve neighbour and community disputes before they escalate."

Superintendent John Batty said: "This week of action will really help to highlight the brilliant work being done across the force to combat anti-social behaviour.

"We understand the significant impact that anti-social behaviour can have on individuals and the community.

"We are focused on working with our partners and communities to create a hostile environment for those who commit anti-social behaviour."

Anthea Beeks, CEO for Alternatives to Conflict, said: "Unwanted and anti-social behaviour can have a devastating impact on people’s lives.

"The funding we have received ensures that we can help people move forward from conflict and provide the service across the Thames Valley."

Thames Valley Police will be hosting a series of engagement activities this week, in line with the daily awareness week themes, including visits to care homes and youth clubs to discuss the impact of ASB as well as patrols taking place in ASB hotspots.