Fence to keep out an estate’s troublemakers
Last updated 10:32, Friday, 03 October 2008
page 7with pic of Lynda Coid and residents’ group on siteRESIDENTS of Workington’s Westfield estate who lived in fear of anti-social behaviour now have a fence to keep out troublemakers.
People living near Fell View Walk, Westfield Drive, were plagued by gangs of youngsters and vandalism for five years.
But after working with Westfield Housing Association and Cumbria County Council, the residents now have a fence, which means that troublemakers can no longer use a shortcut through the estate.
Lynda Coid, of Westfield Housing Association, said: “The application to magistrates to stop up the footpath, which enabled the erection of the fence, was approved in June and it was recently erected.
“Since the fence was put up many residents have commented about how wonderful it is to have some peace and quiet at Fell View Walk.”
Problems came to a head last January when 30 youths went on a wrecking spree, leaving people terrified to leave their homes.
One man said he dreaded dark nights because he knew yobs would be banging on his windows as they walked past. Last year there was a spate of arson attacks on front doors in the street.
John Burrows, of the Westfield Residents Group, said: “It has been peaceful since the fence has gone up. The residents have worked hard to get it.”
County councillor Gerald Humes said: “This is positive. People are happy. People should be able to feel safe in their community.”
The fence application had the backing from Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Police, Crime and Disorder Partnership, South Workington Management Group and Westfield Housing Association.
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