Nasty neighbours go on new hitlist
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
11/12/2007
Yobbery and thuggery on the borough’s estates will be hit for a six after a zero-tolerance clampdown was ordered by council chiefs. Thirty of the borough’s most nasty neighbours have been placed on an eviction hit-list.
The range of measures to tackle anti-social behaviour includes employing a professional witness to shop the louts who are making their neighbours lives a living hell. Launching the drive, Cabinet Member for Crime & Anti-Social Behaviour, Greg Smith said, “Today I am announcing a fairer deal for our estates – a set of measures aimed at tackling the problem of anti-social and criminal behaviour on our estates head-on. No one should have to live in fear or misery in their own home.”
In the past the council has struggled to consistently convict nuisance neighbours if there were no witnesses willing to give evidence. But now, undercover professional witnesses will be employed to target known offenders and collect evidence to use in court. The council has also directed H&F Homes, who manage the council’s housing stock, to bring in probationary tenancies so that nuisance families can be put on a final warning before being evicted if necessary.
Billy Rae, Chief Executive of H&F Homes, says, “We are committed to improving the lives of our residents on estates and understand that anti-social behaviour is a major concern that we are determined to address.”
The plan is to enhance the monitoring, maintenance and recording functions of the CCTV system – as well as expanding it through new fixed and mobile CCTV solutions.
“We are upping the ante on a range of criminality from drug dealers, dangerous dogs and vandalism to people who physically and verbally assault their neighbours,” continues Cllr Smith. “The message is clear – if you are not playing by the rules of civilised society – you’re out. We will not hesitate to go through the courts to get criminal convictions or evictions any longer.”
More estate wardens are planned in a bid to boost the number of patrols and improve response times, hand in hand with a remodelling of the concierge service in some blocks of flats, to bring it into line with 21st Century demands.
Cllr Smith concludes, “The yobbery that is threatening to turn London’s estates into no-go areas is being banished from Hammersmith & Fulham. We are reclaiming our estates with this tough series of measures. Residents have a right to peace of mind at home and by identifying the ringleaders of the troublemakers and pursuing them relentlessly we will make this a reality.”
