Wrexham,North Wales - Elderly residents in fear over anti-social behaviour in Acton and Rhosnesni

Published date: 25 November 2015 | 

Published by: Rory Sheehan
Read more articles by Rory Sheehan

ELDERLY residents are living in fear and intimidation due to the placement of anti-social tenants, according to councillors.

Community leaders in Acton and Rhosnesni are unhappy that tenants with drug and alcohol problems are being placed among vulnerable, elderly people.

At a meeting of Acton Community Council, members discussed the experiences of elderly and vulnerable longstanding residents, who have become upset by the behaviour of new tenants placed within their flats.

Speaking after the November meeting, county councillor Anne Evans said she felt the elderly in the community needed greater protection.

Cllr Evans said: “Following a number of complaints from elderly and vulnerable residents regarding incidents of serious anti-social behaviour, I 

requested some blocks of flats in Rhosnesni be designated for elderly tenants.

“To my dismay this request was refused.

“I believe the elderly and most vulnerable residents should be cared for and remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

“We have a responsibility to ensure they feel safe and secure in their own homes.”

The concerns have led Wrexham Council chief executive Dr Helen Paterson to make an offer to send housing chiefs to the next meeting, to discuss the problems.

In a letter sent to Dr Paterson, councillors questioned whether people known for having 

anti-social problems should be placed in such areas.

Members were unhappy elderly tenants have been intimidated and police have been called to deal with the problems.

In her reply to Acton Community Council, Dr Paterson said it was difficult to comment on cases mentioned but it was the statutory duty of the authority to rehouse applicants unless they had been excluded from the housing register.

Dr Paterson made it clear 

anti-social behaviour is not tolerated and there is a robust tenancy agreement outlining the responsibilities of both landlord and the tenants.

She offered to send the housing chiefs to a meeting of the community council to explain the authority’s housing policy and enforcement action in detail.

Cllr Ian Roberts, lead member for housing, said housing officers will attend the next Acton Community Council meeting.

He said: “Officers have liaised with the Acton Community Council and are happy to attend, with the community council’s confirmation.”