Residents fight back over crime

Some 200 packed into Sidley Sports and Social Club, demanding answers and action from police, Rother District Council and social housing landlords Rother Homes.

Frustrated neighbours are at breaking point over anti-social behaviour which they say is ruining the area.

They say Sidley is being over-run by graffiti, vandalism, intimidation, joyriding, drug dealing, under-age drinking, verbal and physical abuse, car crime and burglary.

In a heated discussion, residents said they were frustrated with poor police response times and want to see more high-visibility patrols.

They blamed much of the anti-social behaviour on Rother Homes residents and asked what procedures the company has in place to make sure tenants are good neighbours.

It was agreed that police, the council and Rother Homes all had work to do but residents were told they must also play a part.

And that's exactly what's happening.

Tuesday's meeting was called by the newly-formed Glovers Lane Residents' Association and Neighbourhood Watch, which could now extend throughout Sidley.

Residents also agreed to form a Local Action Team which will meet with police at regular intervals to identify problems and how they can be solved.

Many are afraid to speak out for fear of reprisals but Rother councillor Keith Bridger said some would have to be prepared to stick their heads above the parapet for the good of the community.

He said: "I know there is a lot of ill feeling and fear in Sidley, but we must continue reporting these crimes and some of us must be prepared to make statements and speak out.

"We know who the persistent offenders are and if we collect evidence we can make them the subject of anti-social behaviour orders."

That message was echoed by police.

Rother's anti-social behaviour officer, Bob Perry, said residents could make anonymous statements which would still be admissible in ASBO hearings.

Two youths have already been made the subject of ASBOs.

Bexhill commander Inspector Dick Coates, who gamely faced the meeting having only being in post for three weeks, said Sidley was a priority for police and crimes like burglary and car crime were down 23 per cent and 27 per cent respectively. He said Sidley now has a team of beat officers under Sergeant Matt Brooks and its own dedicated Police Community Support Officer.

The high-profile Operation Quench is targeting problem areas such as alcohol-related violent crime in the area, he added.

Police may also consider a dispersal order for Sidley, giving them powers to move-on gangs of potential troublemakers after dark.

Rother homes area manager Margaret Bennett insisted the company takes a hard-line against problem tenants.

In the last year two have been evicted, a further two have been the subject of court action while five have agreed to acceptable behaviour contracts.