Fence to stop ‘invasion’ of estate in Smith Street, Melton

Melton council will erect a boundary fence around the housing estate in Smith Street, Melton, to prevent the “continual invasion” of the property.

In September, residents submitted a joint petition to the council seeking assistance to reduce the number of people, animals and rubbish flowing onto their property via the nearby Melton Senior Citizens Centre.

Following consultation with the Department of Housing, the council’s community care and inclusion unit and the petitioners, the council resolved to erect a boundary fence to separate the properties.

Audrey McDonald, one of the estate residents, said she was very pleased with the decision.

“Lots of people don’t realise [our property] is not a shortcut,” she said.

“We have a lot of garden ornaments that have been broken and knocked over and it’s quite distressing.”

Ms McDonald said houses weren’t damaged, but the residents were scared.

“One lady has gone to bed, she went to pull her blinds and she saw three young fellas hiding in the bushes.

“It’s quite frightening.”

A report to council said the best way to reduce “this antisocial behaviour” was to install a barrier between the properties.

“The most cost-effective and best solution [is] to [install] a fence to provide a greater security to the residents of the housing estate.”

The council and Department of Housing, which owns the estate, will share the costs.