21/12/2009 : ASB wall goes under the hammer

Brent Housing Partnership (BHP) has listened to residents of Carlton House, South Kilburn, the police and South Kilburn Partnership, and knocked down a wall which was notorious for encouraging anti social behaviour.

Complaints were raised from residents to BHP that the wall was used to shield activities such as drug dealing, car theft and vandalism. BHP organised for the wall to be taken down to open up the area and ensure that there were no further hiding areas.

Colin Bannon, Project Manager at South Kilburn Partnership said: "I have witnessed drug dealing and selling of counterfeit DVD's behind the wall and it's a great hiding place for this type of activity. The Safer Neighbourhood Police Team have made a big effort to patrol this particular hotspot, however drug deals, in particular can happen so quickly and sporadically that it can be difficult to catch criminals in the act. I think the removal of the wall by BHP will deter criminals from using the area as there is now more natural surveillance and it also looks and feels much safer."

Sharon Carter, Special Projects Team Leader at BHP, said: "The wall at Carlton House was an area of concern for all involved and a decision was made to remove it. This has freed up space within the car park area and has opened up the area visually as well."

Works will be completed in the New Year due to weather conditions.