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

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

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Another said, "It's fairly obvious that Charleston as a scheme has gone right downhill. People are sitting in their own homes in fear — and there's only so much each agency can do.

"I think we need a larger police presence — that's the only way people are going to feel safe."

Mr Duncan said residents were "painting a very, very bad picture."

"Don't get me wrong, I agree with you," he added. "But we can help the police by phoning in as much information as we can.

"If we get lots of hotspots we can use that pressure to bring extra resources into the area, whether that's CCTV or more officers. But we need you to help by making sure that we are getting all the information."

Inspector Scott said Tayside Police's community engagement team had now been redeployed in the Lochee area and residents would have an extra sergeant and six further officers at their disposal for the next three months.

"Please phone us — and phone us again if you get no response," he said. "We want to get to all calls as quickly as we can but we do get tied up in things. If your officer isn't there within an hour, then there's no problem with you phoning in again."

Mr Ross said people should never be scared to call the police.

"In terms of reporting a crime there are a number of anonymous ways to do it," he said. "You don't have to give your name and address to police or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

Mr Ferguson said Dundee City Council had a "corporate responsibility" to look after the area and its residents and that it didn't need to be "brain of Britain" to see that the policy of letting flats above sheltered housing to anti-social tenants was inappropriate.

"We can't make improvements happen overnight but from what I'm hearing tonight I'll be looking into this."