Angry residents met their MP on Saturday to complain about vandalism and anti-social behaviour and the lack of response they have had from the police. Elderly residents from Passmore Close in Liskeard turned up at Colin Breed's office in the town to inform him that vandals and vagrants were causing problems on their estate. 'There was one incident where somebody's porch was set alight, which could have led to a fatality and they didn't seem to take that very seriously,' said one resident. 'I am at my wits end. Nobody is listening – not the police or council,' she added. Passmore Close is sheltered housing which is mainly for the elderly. Problems have flared up recently with troublemakers being invited to the close by a new, younger tenant, claim the elderly residents. Liskeard police reassured residents that they were aware of, and dealing with, the problems. Acting Sgt Jane Bignall said: 'We have had reports of individuals attending Passmore Close and a number of them are being considered for anti-social behaviour orders. 'They are not actually committing a crime by inviting individuals. It is really a matter for the council if they are inviting people to reside at their property,' she added. Mr Breed admits that the problem has occurred because of a rigid points-based system for housing allocation that was introduced by the previous Conservative government. 'It doesn't take into account that people might be best suited to a certain place,' said Mr Breed. 'As a result, you can get a situation where in a whole row of elderly people you can get an 18 year old thrown in. 'Nobody wants to create ghettos but you have got to recognise that you are going to get pressures and problems if you mix certain people,' he added. Residents asked if a meeting could be called and if CCTV surveillance could be introduced in order to tackle the problem. Mr Breed agreed, saying: 'We need some co- operation with the local authorities and the police to tackle this. 'I think mobile CCTV is quite effective in these sorts of situations. 'Cost does always come into it but if we could get the equipment then we could move it round the district.' Acting Sgt Jane Bignall said the police would look at any request for CCTV jointly with the council. Mr Breed also called for a meeting between all parties, which is expected to be held at Liskeard Public Hall in the near future.
