Action begins to clampdown on Greenstead troublemakers

Colchester Council has ordered the owners of former care home Trippier House to clean up the area...or face punishment.

The former care home has become the central hub of gang activity on the Greenstead estate.

Last week, the Gazette revealed how tiles were left smashed on the premises’ neighbouring roads Veronica Walk and Jasmine Walk, while fencing was knocked down and glass windows shattered.

Vandalism - damage caused at Trippier House (Image: Newsquest)

The council has now handed the owners a Section 215 notice compelling them to deal with the dangerous state of the site in Blackthorn Avenue and secure it.

The notice will become effective on May 23 and the owners will have until June 23 to comply and clean the premises up, or face punishment.

Greenstead councillor Julie Young said the cleanup can’t come soon enough, adding: “A long term use for the site must be established to prevent ongoing vandalism.”

But troubles rages on in other parts of the estate, with one resident reporting her window was smashed on Monday night when an object was launched through it.

Councillor - Julie Young (Image: Newsquest)

And last week, Essex Police launched an investigation after a burglar demanded money from the occupiers of a house during an attempted midnight burglary in Forest Road on April 2.

An Essex police spokesman said action would be taken to stop the criminals.

He said: “Tactics are in place to tackle the issue, including proactive, visible patrols and the use of stop and search powers.

“Greenstead also has a dedicated PCSO, who is acutely aware of the issues being raised by residents and councillors.”

In response to recent incidents, Greenstead councillor Tim Young stated the people who criticise Greenstead don’t live there.

He added: “Greenstead has an undeserved reputation.

“The people here are friendly and if you came here, you’d marvel at the community spirit”.