Report to the People
Defending Good Neighbours
Imagine that, every time you stepped outside your front door, you were confronted with your next door neighbour staring or shouting abuse at you. That every time you came home, you had to pick your way through litter, dog (you hope) mess and God knows what else in your close. That you are the pensioner who has had his windows put in three times since January this year.
While to most of us this sounds like a bad dream, it is all too real for some.
It is sad to reflect that, as we as a society have become more tolerant, the behaviour of some of our members has become worse. We brand them "nuisance neighbours" or "neighbours from hell", but such clichés cannot truly describe the misery these selfish bullies inflict on those around them. They neither take a shred of pride in their surroundings, nor have any idea of how to behave towards decent people.
This is not, of course, a problem unique to Greenock. But, in Greenock, the heart of issue is being examined. Indeed, last week I was pleased to attend part of a two day conference at the Waterfront which brought together a range of housing professionals and tenants to discuss the way forward.
As is usually the case at such conferences, one point of debate was whether the agencies concerned (in this case the Council, Housing Associations and the Police) need more powers, or whether they could use their existing powers more effectively.
I tend to favour the latter. There are already a host of steps which can be taken against anti-social neighbours. Tenancy agreements can be strictly enforced; the right to buy can be suspended; and interdicts and Anti-Social Behaviour Orders can be issued. Such powers are already being used in other areas of Scotland and we would do well to follow their example.
Of course, in extreme cases, eviction notices can be served. But while the decision to take the roof from over anyone’s head should not be treated lightly, neither should the damage anti-social behaviour does to people and to communities.
I believe there needs to be a clear focus on the victim. Those who report anti-social behaviour must be taken seriously and treated with respect. Their views should be listened to and they should be kept up to date with developments.
And if some agencies find this difficult – perhaps they should try putting themselves in the victims’ shoes.
Do you suffer from anti-social neighbours? Call my office on 791 820 for a guide to your options.
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