This article is from page 9 of the 2005-11-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 9 JPG
VANDALS and thugs who are causing late- night distress to residents in Kilrush council estates face eviction and exclusion if their anti-social behaviour continues.
Kilrush Town Council responded to ongoing problems in the town’s estates yesterday by launching the Tenancy Management Policy, including Combating Anti-Social behaviour. Ongoing problems in areas such as John Paul Estate, where people are leaving their homes in fear of vandalism and shootings, are to be addressed through the new policy.
A spokesperson said, ““While Kilrush Town Council recognises that the great majority of tenants and residents of council housing are aware of their obligations, a small number are involved in behaviour that causes their neigh- bours difficulty. Sanctions such as eviction or exclusion orders are available and the council is committed to using them.
County manager, Alec Fleming advised that the new policy sets out positive response pro- cedures for the management of tenancy and estate issues in the council’s housing stock. It encourages the establishment of residents’ as- sociations and aims to support them, and take measures against anti-social behaviour. The council has also vowed to record every com- plaint and respond within five working days. Town clerk, Fiona Mooney, stressed the confi- dentiality of the complaints procedure.
‘Kilrush Town Council is aware of the need for confidentiality, so this policy includes a confidential complaints system,” she said. “Senior staff will investigate all complaints and appropriate action will be taken where
breaches of tenancy are evident.”
The town council has also developed a two page brochure, “Together we can make it work’, incorporating a confidential com- plaints form. The Gardai and council will work together in the implementation of the complaints procedure. A series of open in-
formation sessions will be hosted by Kilrush Town Council and the Garda Superintendent to disseminate the procedures.
Meanwhile, John Paul Estate will feature in a