Street crime pledge after 14-year battle

Residents of a Coseley street who say their lives have been blighted by crime and anti-social behaviour have been promised action – following a 14-year fight.

People living in Hartland Avenue, Coseley, say two empty properties in the street have been a magnet for arsonists and underage drinkers after standing empty for the past 14 years – making life a misery for homeowners and tenants in the street.

Feeling among neighbours is so strong that more than 40 people signed a petition calling for action. Council and fire chiefs have now promised to visit the site and see what can be done to stop the troublemakers.

Resident Sharon Fisher is among those who has been battling for something to be done about the two empty properties for years. Coseley councillor Susan Ridney said the issue had been raised with her on a number of occasions over the years and it was time that something was done.

She said: "There are two empty properties in the street and I think there has been some question over ownership of the houses but they are attracting troublemakers.

"Young people with mini motorbikes use the houses as a shortcut to the fields beyond and there are underage drinkers and smokers who hang around there. Residents are fed up and something needs to be done."

Planning permission to replace the houses with a set of six 'starter' homes was granted in 1999 but the development fell through due to a lack of funding and the land later passed back into Dudley Council's control.