Estate security brings results (From Penarth Times)

Estate security brings results

9:00am Sunday 21st December 2008

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SECURITY at the Billybanks has ‘significantly’ improved, according to officials from the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Mike Ingram, the council's operational manager for public sector housing, says there has been a reduction in reported incidents of anti-social behaviour following the introduction of £70,000 worth of security measures at the largely derelict estate, including the installation of a steel fence.

The Billybanks has been a magnet for crime in the past, with lead stolen, several fires started and police regularly called to deal with break-ins and vandalism.

But Mr Ingram says varied security patrols introduced by the authority, together with the fence, have helped reduce problems at the site.

He said: "The council has considerably improved security measures at the Billybanks.

“Firstly through the erection of security fencing around the fabric of the buildings, thus making illegal entry to the buildings far more difficult to achieve.

“Secondly by amending security patrol arrangements.

“The old arrangements involved a presence on site during day light hours only, the new arrangements are far more discrete but include night time patrols as well. “It has been extremely noticeable that since the new arrangements have been in force there has been a significant reduction in reported incidents of anti-social behaviour and crime at the Billybanks,” added Mr Ingram.

“Breaches of council owned properties have been few and far between with significant savings in repairs and staff time.

"The council and its partners will continue to monitor the situation and consider further measures should they prove necessary."

Demolition of the estate was due to start last year, to make way for 377 new dwellings called Penarth Heights.

But Compulsory Purchase Orders were served on two remaining homeowners in July after it emerged that talks had broken down with developers Crest Nicholson.

(BLOB) WHAT DO YOU THINK?

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