Residents in crackdown on anti-social behaviour

'DRUG TAKING AND ALCOHOL ABUSE ON THE STREETS IN BROAD DAYLIGHT'

- KATIE OBORN

RESIDENTS living in a part of Plymouth have said they felt 'unsafe' when walking their children to school, which has prompted big changes in the area.

Plymouth Community Homes has outlined a number of ways it has aimed to curb anti-social behaviour in Devonport alongside residents, following reports of issues of drug taking and alcohol abuse "happening on the streets in broad daylight".

The housing association formed an action group with local residents to help address the problems in their neighbourhood.

As a result, trees have been cut back to "increase visibility" and a bin shelter has been removed - as it was "creating a protected space" for anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Residents and PCH staff had noticed that drug taking, vandalism and abusive behaviour was increasing in parts of Devonport - particularly in Granby Street and the surrounding area.

PCH put together an action group to help address the problems. Louise Turner, head of property, safety | and environmental services at PCH, is leading the action group.