Anti-social neighbours throw axe at pensioner's home and climb in child's window, council hears
People living in North Mouslecoomb have raised safety concerns over vulnerable people being housed with "nightmare" neighbours
Last updated 19th Nov 2025
There's concerns anti-social neighbours are being housed next to vulnerable tenants in North Mouslecoomb.
Residents have approached the council with safety concerns in a panel this week, after reports of an 82-year-old woman having an axe thrown at her property, while a different neighbour climbed into a child's window.
A written statement was delivered alleging that residents have "suffered for years", with no action taken - as they urged for a task group to be set up to stop inappropriate housing placements.
82-year-old "frightened for her life"
Mitch Watchkinson, who lives there, said “the issue is certain people that are housed in the community":
“We know persons have got to be placed, but it’s a case of where we place them so they don’t pose a risk to tenants.”
He added that "there is an 82-year-old lady frightened for her life", having now been threatened twice by unruly neighbours.
Panel co-chair, Donna James said: “We know there are people that have criminal records, are known to have anti-social behaviour, are known to the police, they’re put into an area where there are vulnerable tenants.
“They’re given a secure tenancy before they move. It’s common, it’s happened on Bates Estate, on Sylvan Hall, in Moulsecoomb."
Allocations 'not always right', admits council
Council officers acknowledged the trauma of the on-going situation and the fact that allocations are “not always right”.
When people apply for a place on the housing register as a resident or through the homelessness team, people’s backgrounds are checked for anti-social behaviour, fraud and evictions from previous tenancies.
The residents were told that not everyone who applies receives a place on the housing register, especially if they are not ready to live in society without support services.
The council has confirmed it is in the process of setting up a group for residents to discuss housing for those with a history of anti-social behaviour and breaching tenancies.