Authorities accused of leaving Charleston to degenerate into a 'slum'

Residents of Charleston have branded their part of Dundee a "slum" where the elderly fear for their safety inside their own homes.

A derelict flat in the Charleston area of Dundee.

By James Williamson
Published in the Courier : 27.10.10
Published online : 27.10.10 @ 04.03pm

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Tales of drug dealing, persistent noise and anti-social behaviour, vandalism, graffiti and criminal damage were all aired by angry locals at a meeting of the Charleston Tenants and Residents Association at Craigowan Sheltered Housing Complex on Tuesday.

Many spoke of their frustration at what they saw as delays in dealing with the many problems from the police, Dundee City Council and the staff of the authority's anti-social behaviour team. Others said they were "terrified" by what was happening on the streets outside their front doors.

In some cases, they claimed, cases had been ongoing for months or even years without any apparent prospect of a resolution.

Attendees also complained about "undesirables" being given flats alongside vulnerable older people, gangs of youths causing trouble unchecked, unsanitary conditions in common closes and intimidating and bizarre behaviour by alcoholics.

Local councillors Bob Duncan, Alan Ross and Tom Ferguson were all present to hear about the problems, joined by local police Inspector David Scott and Sandra Thoms from the anti-social behaviour team. All urged residents to get in touch to let them know about the issues as they arose, and insisted there was no need to feel frightened of contacting the authorities. Information can be passed on anonymously if necessary.

"We have to investigate and get corroboration to all our complaints and if we don't, then we wouldn't be able to take action," said Ms Thoms. "We really rely on you to help us in our job by giving us information.

"I am just as frustrated as anyone else in this room — what you can do is help us to take action against these people."

Many residents complained of a slow response to their concerns by the police and other authorities.

"I don't think anybody acts on anything," said one woman. "You don't see the police because they don't turn up. They just don't show up for anti-social behaviour or for fights.

"The whole scheme is just becoming a slum and the only people we can speak to about it are not doing anything. We're fed up of hearing about councillors, police and ASBOs — that's why we called this meeting."