Anti-social behaviour is most residents' main concern
TWO-out-of-three residents contacting a North Lanarkshire councillor are complaining about anti-social behaviour in both council and owner-occupied housing.
Moodiesburn and Gartcosh councillor Joe Shaw is now so concerned about the level of complaints in his ward, that he has called a meeting between Strathclyde Police and North Lanarkshire Council's Anti-Social Task Force, along with officials from the Housing Department.
They were due to discuss the problem and how it can be tackled yesterday (Tuesday) as the Herald went to press.
Councillor Shaw said: "I am very concerned that out of every three constituents who get in contact with me either by phone or through a surgery - two are complaining about anti-social behaviour. Every councillor in North Lanarkshire experiences the same problem
"However, if a case goes to court and is subsequently thrown out because there is no legislation to support it, then what are we supposed to do after that? Even if someone is evicted, they can still re-apply for another house the next day.
"This type of behaviour is not confined to either council or owner-occupied housing either, but is reported in all areas - therefore it is a community-wide concern, should be addressed accordingly and met head-on."
TERRIBLE
The councillor hopes that some specific problems of housing allocation can be resolved during the meeting and that he can be given re-assurances that every public body involved can work together to tackle the issue.
Councillor Shaw added: " I sympathise with the Housing Department and the problems they face when dealing with the allocation of homes, but something is going wrong with the system.
"It's a terrible situation when older people are sitting in their homes, worried sick about the weekend because they know it brings havoc to their lives.
"Residents may think that nothing is being done, but our hands are tied unless we are fully supported by the police and the courts."
The Herald will be reporting on the outcome of Tuesday's meeting in next week's edition.
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Sunday 19 May 2013
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