Lateral thinking needed as linear layout in estates leading to bad blood

CONCERN was expressed about the potential for anti social behaviour in a new estate being built by Wexford County Council in Taghmon.

Cllr John Fleming said the 14-house estate of social houses planned for Cloghulatagh in Taghmon could be laid out better.

Cllr Fleming, who works as an auctioneer, said the problem of anti social behaviour is on the rise across the county. ‘People are being verbally abused and I know of one case of intimidation where a woman had the glass in her front door broken by a stone. An hour after I left the residence after been called out to a problem there, the family resource centre con- tacted me about tenants complaining about unsocial behaviour and abuse.

‘We have to be careful with these linear developments with all houses facing each other and also with circular designed estates where one unruly family can be visible and be in a position to intimidate all other families. We really have to be very strict and stamp out unsocial behaviour. ‘Maybe estates with little cul de sacs would work better as the person is confined in one area and would be less likely to terrorise the whole estate.’

Director of Service for Housing John Carley said: ‘We will look into that.’ CEO Tom Enright said anti social behaviour sometimes happens in es- tates where there are privately rented houses. He said the houses being built in Taghmon are three bedroom two storey houses and two bedroom single storey houses. ‘We think the mix is of a type that will discourage anti social behaviour. The layout is not a bad one. We need to replicate as closely a possible private houses.’