Richard Baum

Last night’s Sherbourne Court and Warwick Street TRA was a success, I think. A lot of tenants and residents are frustrated at the lack of Six Town Housing response to their maintenance issues, and are considering the possibility of a formal complaint.

I must say that I have a lot of admiration for the residents who put up with what seems to be quite a shoddy service at times from Six Town Housing. But they are not helped by some of the residents who share the block, who seem to be committing crimes and engaging in anti-social behaviour which is driving local people mad – doors smashed in, noise and general misbehaviour which is making the lives of local people all the more difficult.

The Police have been engaged and are working with the community but I often get very frustrated that their action is often too little, too late. Even the local police officers themselves are hugely frustrated with the lack of action they can take over offenders they know all too well. I think it is a case of continuing the hard work and waiting until it pays off. Unfortunately, in the meantime a lot of local people are suffering, and I appeal to local people to pull together and remember that the flats are shared by everyone.

On the plus side, there are plans for another walk about and potentially another clean up day. The last one was a great success, so hopefully this one will be as well. I will let you know when a date has been arranged.

And also, plans have been taken forward for some hanging baskets and extra flowers and greenery for the area, which is another piece of positive news. I have seen these schemes work very well in the past, and hopefully this one will work well here too when it happens.