News
Mercian improves safety for Walsall residents
Antisocial behaviour has been stamped out by residents in Walsall with the help of Mercian Housing Association.
As part of a combined initiative with local partners to fight crime in the area, Mercian has invested over £25,000 on its new housing development, Woodcroft Court, to make the community a safer place. The investment includes the installation of three high-tech closed circuit surveillance systems in the Court's surrounding on Hawbush Road, to boost security for its residents.
Woodcroft Court resident, Lee Partridge, 24, an engineer, who has lived in the property for almost twelve months commented, "Since the cameras have been put up the difference is just unbelievable, there have definitely been less problems and disturbances. The premises are secured by an electronic gate and intercom entry so residents have always felt safe inside the complex, but now they're delighted that they can feel the same about going outside too. Everyone here feels so much happier and safer, it really has made the area a better place to be."
The efforts to fight antisocial behaviour appear to be rewarding as the community is witnessing a reduction in minor crime such as vandalism, as well as the arrest of several of the crime culprits. Since the CCTV installation the number of complaints from Woodcroft Court residents has dropped dramatically.
Sharon Gilligan, Director of Housing and Community Services at Mercian said, “At Mercian we believe that providing good affordable homes is not just about bricks and mortar but also helping to deal with wider issues that are important to the communities we serve. This is a good example of how reacting quickly to a problem with a coordinated response delivers real benefits for residents. CCTV cameras are effective because they are a deterrent to those who would commit antisocial behaviour acts but also gives the added value of capturing evidence that can be used to tackle culprits.”