Campaign to stamp out Bedworth coppice troublemakers

[dutchman]

Steps are being taken to stamp out anti-social behaviour in a quiet borough backwater.



Young people have been gathering in a coppice in Tarn Close, a cul-de-sac in Bedworth.

Some evidence of drug taking have also been found in the wooded area.

The problem has alarmed residents of senior citizens’ bungalows in the close which is in the shadow of the Toye, Kenning and Spencer factory off Newtown Road, Bedworth.

But ward councillors and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have joined forces to combat the problem.

“It hasn’t become all that serious, but we want to nip it in the bud before it does,” said county councillor Richard Chattaway, who represents the area at Shire Hall.

He and borough councillors Bill Hancox and John Haynes are working with the PSCOs.

“The old folk who live in the bungalows have expressed their concerns and we felt this was the time to do something about it before it gets worse,” said Cllr Chattaway.

“We have already had the coppice cut back so it is more open and cannot be used as a hiding place.”

He added: “We are not saying it is all that bad at the moment, but apparently syringes have been found in the wooded area and so have cannabis butts.

“There is a wall at the back which people can climb over without being seen.

“We have had numerous complaints from people living in the area.

“But now that the coppice has been cut back there are no hiding places.

“But the PCSOs have said they will keep an eye on the situation so, hopefully, the problem will be resolved.”

Cllr Chattaway added: “This is a classic example of ward councillor and the police working together to get something done.

“We received complaints, identified the problem and acted upon it.

“As I said, hopefully, we have nipped the problem in the bud.

“But the police will be keeping an eye on Tarn Close and the coppice in future and the fact that it has been cleared has made it more difficult for anyone to use it for anti-social behaviour.”

Tarn Close off Ambleside Road has always been a peaceful backwater.

“We have to make sure that the residents can continue to live in peace and not be worried or disturbed by people doing things that they shouldn’t do,” said Cllr Chattaway.