CCTV bid for crime-hit flats
ABLOCK of flats plagued by crime and antisocial behaviour could get CCTV to combat the problem and evict bad tenants.
Social landlord Plus Dane Housing is determined to overcome the issues at The Clocktower on West Park Drive, Macclesfield.
It says antisocial behaviour (ASB) has reached ‘intense levels’ but it has been unable to evict tenants because it cannot prove allegations.
Plus Dane estimates it and Cheshire Police spend tens of thousands of pounds a year dealing with the problems.
Now the firm has submitted plans to install 13 CCTV cameras inside and outside the building.
Andrea Howarth, director of housing at Plus Dane Housing said: “We have been working closely with residents and the police over the last couple of years at the Clock Tower on a number of measures to reduce antisocial behaviour and it is pleasing that these have significantly improved matters.
“We felt that the addition of CCTV would act as a further deterrent to prevent tenants and residents from experiencing anti-social behaviour and as our tenants were supportive of this action we were happy to progress and seek planning approval.”
In planning documents submitted to Cheshire East Council, Plus Dane said the types of antisocial behaviour have ranged from low levels of noise nuisance through to drug warrants and serious domestic violence cases.
It reads: “There have been very few possession cases due to an inability to provide a sound evidence base and counter allegations between tenants.
“In order to support the scheme turnaround and promote a sustainable community the installation of CCTV is being pursued.
“This would allow legal action to be taken where necessary while reassuring residents that we will monitor and take action against perpetrators.
“It is also believed the installation will support the allocation process and enhance the reputation of the scheme.
“This proposal is also being supported by local police who have been lobbying for its installation after continuous reports of criminal activity at the scheme.”
The Clocktower is a Grade II listed building which was once part of Macclesfield Hospital.
It was converted by Plus Dane Housing into 36 separate flats six years ago. RECENT cases heard at South and East Cheshire magistrates court:
TYLER Carlyle Spencer, 22, of Buxton Road, Congleton, admitted two charges of breaching a restraining order by entering Moss Lane in Macclesfield. He was jailed for 14 days.
NICOLA Jane Lee, 29, of Portland Walk, Macclesfield, admitted two charges of theft of groceries from Tesco. She was given a conditional discharge for 12 months.
BRIAN Smidmore, 79, of Telford Close, Macclesfield, was found guilty of assault. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and a restraining order banning any contact with the victim. He must also pay £50 compensation.
FLORENCE Patricia May Johnson, 44, of Priest Court, Crewe, admitted breaching her curfew which was ordered after she was convicted of assault in Macclesfield. She was jailed for six weeks.
ROBERT Vaughan, 33, of Keeley Close, Manchester, admitted assault and criminal damage in Poynton. He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for two years. He was also given 10 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.
COLIN Adcock, 58, of Pierce Street, Macclesfield, indicated a plea of guilty to a charge of theft of fragrances from Fragrances Direct in Macclesfield. The offence breaches a suspended sentence order. He was bailed for sentence at Chester Crown Court on April 7.
CAROLINE Beirne, 45, of Weston Square, Macclesfield, denied two charges of theft. She was bailed for the trial on May 19.
JOHN Hoban, 41, of High Street, Macclesfield, admitted possession of cannabis. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months.
MYLES Russell Dobell, 29, of Bond Street, Macclesfield, denied drink driving. He was bailed for a hearing on April 19.
DEBORAH Jane Machin, 48, of Earlsway, Macclesfield, admitted being drunk and disorderly, She was given a conditional discharge for 12 months.
THOMAS Atkinson, 24, of Rixtonleys Drive, Irlam, admitted three charges of assault and criminal damage in Macclesfield. He was fined £500 and ordered to pay £500 compensation.
RICHARD Ian Kenyon, 31, of Kenilworth Close, Macclesfield, denied assault. He was bailed for the trial on May 12.
KATHERINE Louise Herring, 39, of Bardell Crescent, Poynton, denied failing to stop after an accident and report an accident. She was bailed for the trial on May 2.
AARON John Barton, 21, of Parkgate Road, Macclesfield, admitted breaching a community order by not attending unpaid work sessions. He was given an additional 40 hours.
COLIN Neil Carter, 45, of Portland Walk, Macclesfield, admitted theft of champagne from Marks and Spencer and breaching a suspended sentence order. He was jailed for 10 weeks and ordered to pay £51 compensation.
CRAIG John Allen, 34, of East Park Road, Macclesfield, admitted theft of champagne from Marks and Spencer and theft of meat from the Co-op. He was jailed for eight weeks.