Improved security to cut crime in Norton
18th May 2008
Dudley Council has approved security measures around the Stourbridge Centre for adults with learning disabilities on Mere Road.
The area has been a magnet for vandalism and intimidation. Margot James, Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Stourbridge and Cllr. Heather Rogers have lobbied successfully for effective security at the site.
"Initially it was proposed to erect a fence across the front of the Stourbridge Centre facing the playing fields", said Margot James, "we opposed this for two reasons, it would have been an eyesore, and it would have meant that the people with learning disabilities would have felt fenced in, with their view obstructed".
Now Dudley Council are to spend £50,000 on less obtrusive measures that will cut crime and anti-social behaviour that has plagued residents and clients of the centre for five years. Local residents have been invited to consider the proposals at the Norton PACT meeting to be held at Gigmill School on the evening of May 22nd.
Photo: Margot James discussing security plans with, left to right: David Steadman, Centre Manager, Ann Parkes, Dudley Council, Sergeant Tony Osborne and Cllr. Heather Rogers.
