Scared OAPs ask for CCTV (From Stroud News and Journal)

Scared OAPs ask for CCTV

ELDERLY residents on the Paganhill Estate are demanding CCTV cameras be installed following a spate of bogus callers and anti-social behaviour.

Youths have been seen hurling stones at a cluster of bungalows for elderly folk - who have also been targeted by thieves pretending to be water board officials.

Now public spirited resident Malcolm Woodward, 51, who lives near the bungalows, has started a petition on their behalf, which he will soon be handing in Stroud District Council.

On Friday bogus officials stole cash from an elderly woman after saying they needed to check the water pressure in her home.

"Two of them distracted her in the kitchen while two others went into her bedroom and took the cash," said Mr Woodward, a father-of-four who has lived on the estate for 20 years.

Meanwhile, gangs of youths are making residents feel intimidated. "This is an ongoing problem," said Mr Woodward."

He also wants the CCTV to cover a nearby alleyway leading to Puckshole where pensioner Harry Woods was badly assaulted in the summer.

Mr Woodward says many residents are too scared to use the cut-through in the evenings because rowdy groups of youths congregate there.

Nina Griffiths, 70, who lives in one of the bungalows, has had stones thrown at her windows.

"I have been so scared that I have had my grandson over to stay and I am not the only one to have had trouble." She said.

"Kids hang around the alley, especially on Friday nights and during the school holidays and they have thrown stones at my windows.

"I am disabled and I have heart trouble, I really don't need this."

Council bosses told the SNJ they would look into the concerns.

Paul Helbrow, SDC's community safety manager, said: "When making a decision on CCTV cameras we must take into consideration the level of crime in the area and as far as I am aware Paganhill Estate is a relatively safe area.

"We will certainly look into the concerns and if it is decided not to put cameras up I am sure we can come up with some alternatives."