West View House: Hyde residents set up action group

Hyde Antisocial Behaviour Action Group is putting pressure on local authorities and the police to tackle the increasing problems at West View House, in Hyde Gate.

Last week, a crisis meeting was held with residents grilling representatives from A2 Dominion, which operates the home and the city council, responsible for tackling homelessness in the city.

Neighbours have been repeatedly complaining to the police about repeated law-breaking including brazen drug dealing, constant foul language, threatening behaviour, sex and urinating in public, leaving neighbours, mainly OAPs, feeling unsafe in their homes.

Hostel residents regularly appear in court for shoplifting from city centre stores. Several have been jailed but allowed to return to live at the hostel, say neighbours.

As a result of the meeting and the Chronicle's front page story, police issued a dispersal order from 4pm on Friday, July 26 until 4pm on Sunday, July 28.

One resident noticed a significant improvement. Julian Perkins, 80, said: “The dispersal order was very effective. I was actually able to keep the window open which has been a rarity. I just hope this continues. But Wednesday and Thursday nights were horrendous, the worst they have been. The number one objective needs to be to make sure management systems are in place to make sure repeat offenders aren't allowed back.”

READ MORE: 'It can't go on like this' - Residents' fury on disorder around ex-offenders' hostel

The action group has been set up by residents of Hyde Gate and the surrounding area. 

Hyde Gate (Image: Newsquest)

Group spokesperson and former city councillor Rose Burns said: “Following years of living with antisocial behaviour, sometimes 24/7 during the summer, residents in Hyde have had enough. We have set up this group to challenge the statutory authorities (Winchester City Council, Hampshire County Council, A2 Dominion and the police) and finally to get action from them, not only in the short term but permanently, to eradicate this serious blight on our lives. 

“We are all sympathetic to the situation of those living in West View, some of whom are trying to kick addictions, or to comply with court orders, and many of whom suffer with serious mental and other problems. They are vulnerable and become easy targets to be preyed upon by drug dealers and led astray by antisocial, drunken vagrants (often previous residents). The facility is a honeypot for these predatory individuals.

“We believe that West View is in the wrong place. It is too close to the station and the centre of town; it is surrounded by sheltered housing and residential streets, and quiet, discreet places for people to loiter aimlessly and engage in antisocial behaviour undisturbed. 

“We are convinced that this 29-bed unit, run by A2 Dominion for a disparate group of residents all with serious problems, is unmanageable.” 

John Tippett-Cooper, St Bartholomew ward councillor and Hyde resident, said: “Following the residents' meeting, as happened in spring earlier this year, the police’s urgent actions have led to a significant drop in problems over the last few days. I have personally had a much quieter few nights and thank you to the council ASB staff and police for that. 

“West View House supports 29 individuals with varying and often complex needs. It is - for any organisation - a big challenge given cuts to funding for homelessness support services over the last decade to support a facility of this nature. Having this sort of facility in the heart of a residential community- with many older residents and young families - is very problematic and difficult but is not impossible if there’s well organised management of the facility. 

SEE ALSO: Police take action over anti-social behaviour at Winchester hostel

“My own view is that smaller units with more tailored support would be far better than the current facility for both local Hyde residents and the West View residents - however, this is easy to say, but much harder to do as the right accommodation needs to be found and funding for support services needs to be provided too. It is the solution I think we should be working towards.”

County councillor Dominic Hiscock represents the Winchester Eastgate division, which includes Hyde, said: “I have represented the area since 1999 when West View House opened. There have been cycles of anti-social behaviour since then, especially during hot spells. 

“I have huge sympathy for the people who live in the area. It's good that the police have been using dispersal orders to keep people away. Lots of the people at West View House need support, they have had desperate and chaotic lives.” 

Cllr Hiscock said he didn't think West View House residents who are jailed should be allowed back after they are released. He said: “People were complaining about Alleyne House in Hyde Street, but they now have a strict no visitor policy and it has been handled really well.”

The Chronicle asked Hampshire police how many people had been arrested and moved on as a result of the dispersal order, but they have not responded. 

The Chronicle asked A2 Dominion to speak to someone who manages the home. They said: “It might be possible later in the week, we will have more information by then.”