66 police calls to troubled home

This is in addition to calls from members of the public.

Now police are arranging a public meeting on Friday, March 15 to thrash out a solution to problems posed by the troubled private home.

Protesting neighbours told last week of a catalogue of trouble from severely disturbed youngsters from the home in Dorset Road South.

Managing director Roy Thompson says the problems have been sparked by just one youngster who will soon be leaving the area.

But Bexhill sector commander this week accused Mr Thompson of abrogating his responsibilities.

He says in the last year alone police have received at least 66 calls from the home itself.

They ranged from youngsters going missing to calls for help because youths in care were smashing-up the premises.

He has called upon Mr Thompson to provide evidence for Anti-Social Behaviour Contracts or, if necessary, Anti-Social Behaviour Orders against trouble-makers.

Inspector Mosley said: "We are looking for the home to provide the evidence we need for ASBOs."

Following the success of a similar scheme in Sidley, police are circulating evidence forms in the neighbourhood.

Residents can fill in and return these in confidence.

Because Anti-Social Behaviour Orders are obtained in a magistrates' court under civil law, evidence can be given on behalf of the victims of crime by a leading member of the community.

Inspector Mosley said on Wednesday that he hoped to announce the time and date of the public meeting as soon as a venue had been booked.

"We are arranging the meeting so that we can listen to the residents concerned."