Calls for more police to tackle '˜worsening' anti-social behaviour in Hastings ward

Residents and councillors met with the Chief Constable of Sussex Police today (Wednesday, August 3) to voice their concerns over anti-social behaviour.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Aug 2016, 17:03 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 23:30 BST

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Sgt Andy Lancaster, Cllrs Chowney and Turner, Andrea Dobson, George Benham and Giles YorkSgt Andy Lancaster, Cllrs Chowney and Turner, Andrea Dobson, George Benham and Giles York
Sgt Andy Lancaster, Cllrs Chowney and Turner, Andrea Dobson, George Benham and Giles York

People living in Linley Drive and its surroundings in Baird ward said the problem was getting worse and have called for more police patrols.

Ward councillor, Mike Turner, said: “Several families have been targeted and have had to move from the area. One put up with terrible abuse for several years. The police were told about it time and time again.

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“We have lost the police panels with residents where they could meet with officers and tell them what was going on. People now feel disenfranchised.”

Cllr Turner said residents were suffering at the hands of youths ‘running amok’ and committing acts of vandalism and shouting obscenities at residents.

He added: “It’s an absolute disgrace. I want a camera installed in the area. I believe the lack of police patrols has coincided with this kind of anti-social behaviour, which is getting worse.

“I hope the Chief Constable will do all he can to get more police on the ground.

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“I will also be asking to meet our MP, Amber Rudd, as she is now in a prime position as Home Secretary to support our request for more police on the street. What better place to start in her own constituency?”

Andrea Dobson, of Scutes Close, said her main bugbear was youths racing up and down the road late at night on motorcycles, using the road as a rat-run.

Chief Constable Giles York said: “We are working incredibly hard to increase the presence of police with the resources we have got.

“What is absolutely at the heart of local policing is working with partners, the public and volunteers.

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“None of the cuts we have made have taken a single police constable off response, so we will have the same number of officers in the future as we have had in the past.”

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Related topics:ResidentsSussex PoliceHastingsPeople