Patrol plea after bin blaze
A FATHER from Crook is calling for more neighbourhood warden patrols after youths set fire to a wheelie bin next to his home.
The man, who didn’t wish to be identified, said he was fed up of gangs of youngsters hanging around near his home on Honister Square.
Last week, after confronting the group, his wheelie bin was set on fire just yards away from the gas pipe into his kitchen.
The father of three young children said: “It’s a constant problem yet we never see the wardens there between 6pm and 11pm when it is all going on. These kids are shouting, swearing and drinking in the street, having the bin set on fire was the last straw.
“We were all in the house and it could have been a disaster had it not been dealt with quickly. We’re sick of it and we want more action taken.”
Mark Farren, education and enforcement manger (south) said: “There are two wardens permanently assigned to cover this area along with the remainder of Crook, Howden-le-Wear, Roddymoor and Sunniside.
Generally they will work between noon and 8pm, Monday to Friday, however they also do occasional early shifts, particularly when targeting an area for dog fouling.”
Mr Farren also said wardens will respond to issues identified by the public and police at Police And Community Together (Pact) meetings.
He said: “We would also encourage residents to attend their local PACT meeting where they can discuss local crime and disorder priorities with the police and wardens. The next PACT meeting for the Watergate area will take place at 6pm on Thursday, November 19, in Greenside Place Common Room.”
He also encouraged people to contact the wardens if they have any problem with issues such as dog fouling, littering and fly-tipping or with low-level anti-social behaviour.
To contact the neighbourhood wardens call 07881 1518324.
This week, Durham County Council announced that the neighbourhood wardens scheme, which was started by the former Wear Valley District Council, will be rolled out across the rest of the county.
Head of Direct Services Oliver Sherratt said: “Wardens improve the quality of life through enhancing the physical appearance of our neighbourhoods, building community confidence, deterring anti-social behaviour and helping to reduce fear of crime.”