Articles and Speeches

Troubles in Eton are getting on my Wick
13-Jul-04, Windsor Observer.

"As a Windsor resident, the more I see and hear, the more I love the constituency. Yet, something is amiss.

In Eton Wick, I am disturbed that anti-social behaviour and local crime are an accepted part of daily life. Many residents have given up hope that the problems will be solved.

Graffiti and boarded windows are becoming common.

I understand the frustration of a local business owner. He was ordered to remove the boards from his windows by the Liberal Council, when he knows full-well they’ll be smashed again within days.

And a courageous Librarian who confronted local youths in the past, is unlikely to do so again because of the personal risks and lack of support.

Perhaps it’s time to consider the American approach of zero tolerance.

Several local beat policemen would prevent crime occurring in the first place, if they were seen every few minutes and knew the area well.

I do not blame the police because they want to be on the street.

The Government is to blame for loading officers with paperwork. It is time for a change.

The troubles in Eton Wick are unacceptable and are really getting on my wick in an otherwise lovely area."