Estate’s walkways too useful to warrant closure even after arson incident (From Worcester News)

Estate’s walkways too useful to warrant closure even after arson incident

10:10am Friday 10th July 2009 in

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PROBLEM alleyways will not be closed following an arson attack in Worcester.

As previously reported in your Worcester News, five cars parked on three separate driveways in Marsh Avenue, Warndon Villages, were destroyed after being set on fire during the early hours of Sunday, May 10.

Dozens of people wanted to close the alleyway from Tolladine Road which leads to Water Croft and then into Marsh Avenue.

But a survey carried out by Worcestershire County Council found that 250 people use it every day.

Speaking at a meeting of Warndon Parish Council chairman Ray Morris said: “The focus group talked about closing alleyways and installing CCTV cameras. A survey calculated there are 250 a day using the footpath therefore the county council would not support its closure.

“In addition, there are people in the area who do not want it to close.

“The process would take at least three years so it is not an answer to any problems. We need to look at other ways of approaching it and that is what we are doing.”

People living in March Avenue had discussed installing CCTV and the legalities of where they could have it.

Mr Morris said: “If you want it on your house that is fine, anything outside that is not OK.”

Following the arson attacks there were heated exchanges between residents and councillors at a meeting of the parish council. People believed a number of smaller alleyways were causing problems and said youths had been plaguing the area for years.

They said the arson attack was simply an escalation of the vandalism.

Since the incident a focus group made up of residents, councillors and the police has been set up to address the issues of anti-social behaviour.

To date, four people have been arrested in connection with the arson attack. One man had his police bail cancelled because of insufficient evidence; the other three were all relea-sed without charge.

Enquiries are ongoing and police officers continue to appeal for witnesses. Anyone with information, who has not yet contacted the police, is asked to do so on 0300 3333000, quoting 140S/100509.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.