Following the news that Sunderland and Newcastle Councils have started a 0300-prefixed 101-style hotline, it has been announced that other councils are continuing 101.

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7321926.stm

Councils agree to save 101 line

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A non-emergency phone line planned as an alternative to 999 has been rescued by a group of councils after funding was halted by the Home Office.

The 101 line, due to be axed after 21 months of trials, responds to low-level incidents such as noise disruption.

Now Hampshire and Isle of Wight, Newcastle and Sunderland, Cardiff and Sheffield City Council have said they will continue running the service.

The 101 number had been proposed in Labour's 2005 election manifesto.

It was piloted in five areas, allowing members of the public to report nuisance behaviour such as vandalism and fly-tipping.

Extra police

The scheme was meant to roll out to all forces by the end of this year, but faced criticism for failing to reduce the pressure on 999 phone operators.

However, the Local Government Association said "rescue packages" had been put together by town halls and police forces.

This will mean the 101 number will be in operation for at least another year in the participating areas.

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Ridiculous.  Essex Police has shown the way with 0300 333 4444 - why can't the rest just follow suit?