DISGRUNTLED RESIDENT writes:
Residents of Bergeend Road in Birch Acres are concerned about the number of people sitting on the sidewalks.
It would appear that this is the result of a nearby laundry service. The people sitting on the sidewalks hope to get offers of ironing work from passers-by who have collected un-ironed washing.
Sometimes they sit on the pavement with their legs extending into the road causing vehicles to swerve out to avoid them. It is just a matter of time before someone drives over their legs.
It would also appear that some of those sitting on the sidewalks may also be there to solicit sexual acts.
The situation is further exacerbated by the lack of ablution facilities. This results in these people defecating and urinating anywhere on the sidewalks. The same people often litter the sidewalks where they are sitting.
It would also appear that these people attract other vagrants who sit and chat with them, adding to the littering problem.
Police have been called on certain occasions. They have chased these people away but they simply return within hours.
The situation for residents has become unbearable.
