Residents ready to fight back
Published Date:
20 August 2008
CRIME and anti-social behaviour are all too prevalent in what people have christened "Broken Britain".
Left to fester these ills of society are responsible for bringing areas and their communities to their knees.
Unchecked, there is little businesses and residents can do but up sticks and move elsewhere.
The stance about to be adopted in the Highroad Well area, which has had more than its fair share of trouble, is an example of what can be done when the law abiding majority says "enough is enough ".
In this case the worm is about to turn.
Throughout the summer this area of Halifax has been plagued with burglaries, intimidation and vandalism by teenage thugs. What's more, with every offence they have apparently become bolder and increasingly arrogant.
The trouble has become so widespread, few homes have been left untouched.
At this juncture it would be easy for locals to turn their backs and walk away, as has happened in other parts of the country. After all who wants to lead their lives feeling unsafe on the street and under threat, even in their own home?
The alternative, and this is what has happened here, is to fight back.
Led by a former independent councillor, an alliance of shop workers, residents and community leaders hopes to form what will be one of the largest neighbourhood watch groups in Calderdale.
It is understandable that individuals are reluctant to take action for fear of reprisals.
However, with the weight of such a group behind them, people will feel far more comfortable coming forward and reporting incidents.
The police are fully behind this, though some might claim it is their inability to stamp authority in the area that has led to this situation in their first place.
None of which really matters, however, so long as the same end result is achieved.
An outcome which would help people once again go freely about their business with the comforting thought they, their property and their possessions are safe and sound.
The full article contains 340 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
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Last Updated:
20 August 2008 9:55 AM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Halifax
