The discarded condoms preventing kids playing in Coventry street

[dutchman]

Some residents have now lodged a petition with Coventry City Council calling for action



Frustrated residents say their children won't play outside in a city centre street because of used condoms left by sex workers.

Neighbours on Winchester Street, in Hillfields, say the presence of prostitutes in the area makes it an "unsafe place for young children to grow up" and "look dirty and untidy".

They are so fed up of the anti-social and criminal behaviour on their streets they have lodged a petition with Coventry City Council calling for action.

The council is now considering installing temporary CCTV cameras in the area, as well as encouraging residents to set up a Neighbourhood Watch group.

West Midlands Police and the council are monitoring the situation and and extra patrols will take place as duties allow, according to a council report prepared for Councillor Abdul Khan, Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities.

As well as a crime spree in the early hours of May 19 when a large number of cars in the area were damaged, residents say they their children are being put off playing outside because of sex workers.

"Another issue of concern was that the area is affected by litter which often includes condoms which are believed to emanate from sex workers within the area," the report states.

"Residents want to know what can be done to ensure the area is kept in a clean state.

"Residents feel that the activity of the sex workers in the area make it an unsafe place for young children to play and grow up.

"This makes the area look dirty and untidy and discourages the children from playing outside.

"Residents are keen to have the issues addressed at the earliest opportunity."

A West Midlands Police spokesman said no arrests had yet been made in relation to the criminal damage of cars in the street in May.

[rebbonk]

The residents need to do a bit to help themselves. Neighbourhood watch would be a start.