Calling for action against the yobs

DISILLUSIONED residents in Swanscombe told police and councillors they want action after years of battling anti-social behaviour alone.

More than a hundred people at a meeting organised by Kent Police Authority told officers and councillors they feel abandoned by them and believe resources have been diverted elsewhere.

They were told Swanscombe will get its own police officer as a priority and the council's attention will re-focus on improving the community.

One man told area commander Superintendent Martin Hewitt: "People are too scared to report crime because there is no police presence."

GREENHITHE residents left disappointed at the meeting after hearing a new policing plan for the area would be limited to Swanscombe.

A second police community support officer (PCSO) started training last week, to join Swanscombe PCSO Lisa Breeze at the end of March.

And the new police officer designated to patrol the area and co-ordinate the PCSO's work will only have Swanscombe on his portfolio.

Representing Greenhithe, Swanscombe and Greenhithe Councillor Gwen Tripp said: "It was a good meeting but in Greenhithe there is nothing.

"The authorities say they can't afford it yet and that's a big issue with the people of Greenhithe because it seems as if it's always Swanscombe getting the support."

Another said: "When we do phone you don't do anything about it and we are told to go to the council.

"When we go to the council we are told to go to the police. We are being made to go round in circles."

Supt Hewitt said a lack of resources means he does not have the manpower to boost police presence as he wants.

But a second police community support officer (PCSO) is being trained to join PCSO Lisa Breeze to patrol Swanscombe and they will soon be supported by the town's own bobby as part of a new plan being finalised at police headquarters.

Supt Hewitt said: "North Kent will be at the top of the list to roll out this idea and, when it comes, Swanscombe will be one of the first locations to have it."

The area's top cop and Dartford's deputy leader Councillor Jeremy Kite both believe improved policing and community initiatives in Swanscombe is vital to contend with large-scale development over the next decade.

Cllr Kite said new developments must be controlled so existing communities will not be undermined and more money will be spent on residents already in the area, rather than on new developments.

Swanscombe has no CCTV cameras, despite residents paying the highest council tax across the borough.

But chairman of the Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council and borough councillor Bryan Read says smaller cameras are likely to be installed in the area within a year.

Pitching for new facilities

A FOOTBALL club for youngsters could get a new pitch to train and play on.

Football development officer Terry Uings told the meeting of his frustrations with the lack of help he has received in finding a pitch for the Swanscombe Tigers and its 150 eight to 16-year-olds.

He said: "I could keep all those kids off the streets in the evenings but Community Valley School wants £60 an hour for us to use its ground."

The teams currently play on Saturdays at Knockhall School, in Eynesford Road, Greenthithe, and Broomfield and Park Road Parks, in Swanscombe, but they want an area where they can play in the evenings.

Headteacher Ian Jones said the school was a business as a Private Finance Initiative but he would urge for a special arrangement because of the club's value to the community.

And youth worker Frederick Tchie said he could help the Swanscombe Tigers get extra support. For many residents, the meeting was the first time they had met Mr Tchie.

He also outlined other activities he wanted to introduce for youngsters in Swanscombe and Greenhithe.

Police Community Support Officer Lisa Breeze told residents they could contact her either through Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council or by leaving a message at Dartford Police Station's crime reduction unit on 01322 283192.