Save us all from South Elmsall 'Beirut'
INTIMIDATED residents have had their South Elmsall street turned into 'Beirut' by anti-social youths using drink and drugs.
About 20 residents from Princess Avenue attended an emergency meeting last Tuesday to discuss their concerns with police and councillors.
Drugs, off-road bikes and nuisance youths were all cited as top problems during the meeting,which was held at Westfield Lane Social Centre, South Elmsall.
Frightened residents would only speak to the Express if their names were withheld.
One said: "Drugs are the main concern because of the amount of young children around here. You see people going up and down the street every day.
"This used to be a beautiful estate. It seems to be going downhill. Since the meeting there have been more police around so it has quietened down a bit."
Another said: "People throw things at windows. It's like living in Beirut sometimes.
"Kids are drinking and smoking on the street. Nobody dare say anything because of the backlash."
PC Tony Whaley, of South Kirkby neighbourhood police team, advised residents at the meeting to attend a Police and Communities Together (PACT) meeting at 7pm at Weston Hall, Westfield Lane, on Monday, August 24.
He said police had been clamping down on anti-social behaviour in the Westfield Lane and Albany Crescent area of South Elmsall after concerns were raised at the last PACT meeting.
He said: "It's an issue we are aware of. We urge residents to phone up and keep us informed of what's going on.We are trying our best to tackle the problem."
District councillors Harold Mills and Wilf Benson also attended the meeting.
Coun Mills said: "I can understand residents' concerns. Nobody likes to see anti-social behaviour.
"I hope they will turn up to the next PACT meeting so that area can be taken care of."
Coun Benson said: "The residents were up in arms about anti-social behaviour. It's been going on quite a while. There were a lot of complaints about youths and damage to properties with knives and pellet guns."
Coun Benson also contacted Coun Olivia Rowley, Wakefield Council's cabinet member for community safety and cohesion, to ask if any action could be taken.
Coun Rowley said: "We are always concerned where anti-social behaviour is recorded, and sometimes the solutions are more complex depending on each situation. We are of course looking into the issues."
Anyone with concerns about anti-social behaviour can call the South Kirkby NPT on 01924 295414.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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