Housing staff being verbally abused

HOUSING staff at Wexford County Council are being verbally abused by tenants.

Speaking at the recent New Ross Municipal District Council meeting, Cllr Michael Sheehan said the local authority has to step up its ‘retribution’ against misbehaving tenants.

He asked when the council will start levying anti-social behaviour orders against these tenants, adding: ‘If we are not catching and apprehending the people who are doing it and if we are not seeking retribution for them, whether they are from an estate or not. Until we start evicting tenants who are in flagrant breaches of the their tenancy contracts, we are at nothing.’

Cathaoirleach Cllr Willie Fitzharris said council staff are aware firsthand of what of the good work that is being done with tenants. Cllr Larry O’Brien said: ‘ There are an awful lot of problems out there.’

The councillor called for security staff to be used to protect staff members from tenants who lose their temper and become violent and abusive towards staff. Cllr John Fleming said people are congregating in certain areas, adding that CCTV cameras are needed. ‘We need to get the gardaí involved.’

He asked if CCTV footage is checked regularly.

‘It’s not just problems for the housing department to solve. This does require ther agencies and groups.’

Cllr Connick said there is CCTV in many areas of New Ross. ‘How many people are being arrested or charged?’ he asked.