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Scared Prestwood residents demand action against yobs
Residents are so fearful of anti-social behaviour that they are demanding security gates at the troubled flats in Hazel Road, Prestwood.
District councillor Andrew Garnett has teamed up with the Reverend Colin Veysey, pastor at the Kings Church, to get something sorted.
They have got started with a campaign largely at the behest of the area Neighbourhood Action Group, whose members have expressed concern about under age drinking, vandalism, and suspicions of drug taking near the flats.
Youngsters often congregate around the flats, abusing residents, who have complained that the yobs get into the flats and loiter on the stairwells.
Outlining the case for change, Mr Garnett said the residents were a "decent bunch" who were "fearful of intimidation" and scared to speak out.
"I am doing this on their behalf," he said, "And I am happy to do it. It is important that we deliver on this subject of the security gates on behalf of the residents."
"I am calling for action now and I find much of the anti-social behaviour absolutely deplorable."
Mr Veysey said he had personally seen evidence of vandalism and graffiti. There were strong suspicions of under aged drinking and even of drug taking.
"There is a need for the security doors to stop the youngsters going onto the stairwells. This would help in calming the situation down, as a first step."
The landlords, Paradigm Housing Group, are looking at whether a security gate might be installed at reasonable cost.
They have concluded that it is not good value for money when that cash could be spent on refurbishments and other priority areas.
Spokeswoman Liz Turner said: "We have looked at the cost but feel gates are not good value for money because there are ways for young people could thwart the system and get in. Most of the trouble is happening outside the building."
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load of bull mate dont know what your chatting about, half the residents are convicted criminals or coke dealers.
The problem isnt outside but infact inside the flats, so get your facts right mate.
I always find it interesting that those who wish to post unpleasantly do so anonymously.
If you have the evidence you suggest why haven't you bothered to go to the Police who certainly aren't aware of what you are suggesting.
These people (who are overwhelmingly decent and law abiding) deserve a pleasant place to live unhindered by the antisocial behavious of the local and not so local yobbery. If they were to be terrorising you I would take the same stance.
We had a problem a couple of years ago locally with mouthy little Chav's causing problems. They soon learnt, after a good old fashioned right-hander or 3. Suggest that you get together and admonish similar...it works, which is more than the local 'Plod' do!!
Bunch of idiots, the people in the flats are selling themselves and shooting up! Thats why they want nice new doors!