‘It doesn’t feel safe’
RESIDENTS SPEAK OUT AS RISING ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR GRIPS STREET
CONCERNED residents living off Holderness Road say “it doesn’t feel safe” after a spike in antisocial behaviour.
Plans have been submitted for a new house of multiple occupancy (HMO) in Jalland Street, but the suggestion has made some already nervous neighbours even more worried.
Residents have evidence of what they believe is drug dealing happening in the cul-de-sac, which is affecting the feel of the area where many young families live.
The suggestion of a conversion of a three-bed house into a five-bed HMO has struck fear into families, many of whom for over a decade.
An increase in cars being parked along Jalland Street recently, which could be made worse by a new HMO being built, has also forced people to park on neighbouring streets - heightening concern for residents forced to take on a long walk back home in the dark after work.
“Due to low house prices, Jalland Street has seen a surge in first-time buyers and young families in the last few years and I fear that potential have lived there antisocial behaviour would make it difficult to raise young children,” one concerned parent said.
“As we have a one-year-old, the idea of such behaviour at this point in our lives is both stressful and concerning. We also worry this will lower the value of my house further.”
A second worried resident said: “I have to sometimes park down Durham Street and don’t feel 100 per cent safe having to walk down the passageway mainly late on an evening and I get most concerned when my pregnant partner has to do the same.”
A ward councillor for the area has joined the residents fight against the new HMO which has caused so much concern among families.
Councillor Adam Williams, who represents Drypool ward on Hull City Council, says he has been in dialogue with the police who he says have also shown their support to the bid to have the plans scrapped.
Two long-standing residents agree. One saying they don’t feel safe using the street on a night and that it is down to the factors of car parking and increased antisocial behaviour.
“As a resident living down Jalland street for the past 20-plus years and the rise of
HMOS down the street it has caused more antisocial behaviour at all times of the day and night,” one said.
“The street doesn’t seem to have the community feel any more. The parking down the street is terrible.
“It’s hard to find a parking space after 5pm and as I work nights some times I have to park down different streets and sometimes it doesn’t feel safe walking down the street at night.”
Another said: “We have lived down Jalland Street for almost 13 years and are aware of a number of properties down the street that have already been converted into HMOS and it has been noted from several residents down here, many who have lived here for a number of years, that there has been an increase in the number of antisocial behaviour incidents.”
In a letter submitted to the council, Mr Williams described how the rise in HMOS has had “a huge detrimental impact” on residents.
The letter read: “As one of the local councillors for the area I have for a long time been calling for a stop to any further HMOS in streets like Jalland Street.
“Jalland Street is a narrow, terraced cul-de-sac, which used to be predominantly family homes.
“In recent years more and more of the properties have been converted into HMOS, which has had a huge detrimental impact on the quality of life for residents in the street.
“The two biggest issues caused by this increase are:
“A: An increased pressure on parking. There is barely enough room for all residents in Jalland Street to park down the street - as hardly any of the houses have off road parking facilities. The number of HMOS has made this situation worse and worse - with many residents often having to park in neighbouring streets.
“B: An increase in antisocial behaviour. There are regular issues with crime and other antisocial behaviour in the Jalland Street area, which our local police team are well aware of.
“Many of the incidents can be traced back to specific individuals living in certain HMOS down the street. Yet another HMO risks making the problems worse not better.”
The street doesn’t seem to have the community feel any more. The parking down the street is terrible
Resident