People ‘living in absolute fear’ on Bournville estate after cars smashed
Damage to a car in Downside Road. Picture: Henry Woodsford - Credit: Archant
People on a Weston-super-Mare estate feel ‘scared and intimidated’ following a spate of antisocial behaviour incidents.
Damage to a car in Downside Road. Picture: Henry Woodsford - Credit: Archant
Disabled and elderly residents in Downside Road on the Bournville estate have had their car windows smashed and have been subjected to verbal abuse.
A number of similar incidents have been reported to the police as people have been forced to park their cars away from the road.
One victim, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Mercury: “A lot of the people who live in this road are elderly and disabled, we feel intimidated and vulnerable and we live in absolute fear.
“It feels like no-one wants to help us, I am still waiting for the police to visit and assess the car’s damage.
Damage to a car in Downside Road. Picture: Henry Woodsford - Credit: Archant
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“There are no parking restrictions on this road, no-one is parked illegally and people should not be treated in such terrible ways.”
Similar issues have occurred across the Mercury patch this year. In September there was an increase in youngsters breaking doors, smashing windows and being threatening and intimidating towards elderly people on the Coronation estate.
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Drug dealing was also taking place in Ottawa Road and despite reporting these incidents to both Alliance Homes and the police, problems remain.
An Avon and Somerset police spokesman said: “We are aware of an ongoing issue in relation to parking in Downside Road and have had a number of reports of vehicles being damaged as a result.
“We’re working with partner agencies including North Somerset Council to find a long-term solution to the parking issue.
“In the meantime we’d encourage anyone who is a victim of crime to report it, make a statement and support any subsequent prosecution.
“You can report information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 08005 55111, or you can call 101 and ask to speak to the Bournville and Oldmixon neighbourhood team.”
Zoe Manning, head of customer experience at Alliance Homes, said: “We support all of our customers to report antisocial and unacceptable behaviour.
“If somebody feels threatened or unsafe in their home, or if there’s been a criminal act, we would refer this to the police.”
