Maybridge: we've had enough

Members of the recently formed Maybridge Residents' Association are trying to tackle problems in their area, which include graffiti, litter and general anti-social behaviour.

They have already sent out a survey to 500 residents asking them about crime and fear of crime in the ward and have so far received 100 replies.

They are hoping that students at Northbrook College will analyse the results, which will then be passed onto police.

Janet Hearn, secretary of the group, said: "Things were getting so bad around here that it was getting to the point where we were worried about vigilantes taking to the streets.

"We had our first meeting because the area around here (Maybridge Community Church in The Strand) was getting so bad that something had to be done."

The association has now held several meetings and is working closely with the police to solve problems.

Mrs Hearn said: "It's not just the crime issues we want to tackle. We want to increase the respect for the area too."

Phillip Dawson, chair of the association, said residents were very keen to set up an area for young people in Maybridge to go to.

He said they had been working with Worthing Homes, which owns many of the properties, to develop an area around the back of Maybridge Square.

"It is a very expensive idea that may have to even be privately funded but we want to provide somewhere for people to go with football pitches and play areas," he said.

Sergeant Geoff Cooper, of Worthing police, said: "Local problems are being solved by local people."