Criminals have no place to hide in Ongar

By lbrown

DRUG-DEALERS and anti-social youths are being put under the spotlight as new measures aim to stomp out illegal activity at a local crime hotspot.

For years, residents have complained about troublesome youths hanging around Pleasance car park in Ongar, engaging in vandalism, under-age drinking and criminal behaviour.

Now local authorities have decided enough is enough and Ongar Town Council and Epping Forest District Council are carrying out a joint initiative to tackle the problem.

Criminals will have no place to hide as new street lighting has been installed around the perimeter of the car park, with CCTV cameras to follow soon.

Judith Cook, deputy town clerk, said: “We had expressed concerns to Epping Forest District Council about boys in cars racing around the car park and there was evidence of drug use in the children's playground behind the library, which is just beside the car park.

“We are delighted the lights have gone up and hopefully it will make a difference to the residents of Ongar.

“Now we can get on with our part and put up the CCTV cameras.”

The new measures come as a huge relief to Ongar Town Forum, who have been campaigning tirelessly for something to be done.

Ian Goodman, chair of the town forum and owner of The Cock Tavern, which is located beside Pleasance car park, said: “I've been chair of the town forum for five years now and this is an issue we've been raising since then.

“There's been all sorts of problems in the car park with blatant drug dealing and empty beer and vodka bottles left lying around. The fence at the back of my pub was broken down, where someone had obviously tried to get in.”

The initiative has also been welcomed by Epping Forest's new district commander, Jonathan Baldwin. “Car parks have come to be regarded as areas of vulnerability and we would fully support this kind of preventative measure.

“Any open space lends itself to opportunist crime and increased visibility deters people from loitering,” he said.