Drugs, alcohol and anti social behaviour, including attempts to set fire to homes - this is the grim picture given to The Beacon of a problem Monmouth housing estate. Readers, anxious to remain anonymous, have contacted The Beacon to express their concern that Carbonne Close and the close surrounding areas have become "dumping grounds" for problem families. There have been allegations that petrol has been poured through the letter box of one home, while horrified residents stood by as the emergency services, including police and fire personnel, carried out a raid on the estate. One reader alleged that armed officers, carrying shields, took part in the raid and broke into homes. Specially trained police dogs also took part in the night time raid, we understand. "It's always been bad on the estate, but now it's getting worse" said one resident. "The police come along, but the groups of youths break up and disappear, gathering again once they think the coast is clear". Another resident, who emphasised he did not wish to be named, claimed that children as young as twelve took part in an open air party, when drugs and drink were freely available. "Windows and doors are smashed and vehicles are badly damaged" he said. "The general state of these estates is unbelievable - the amount of cans and muck by The Albion has to be seen to be believed". The resident added: "The vast majority of people who live on the estates are good, law abiding citizens, some in their seventies, who have lived in the area for many years. The problems are caused by a small group of people, who need dealing with by the authorities". Steve Thorpe, Neighbourhood Sergeant at Monmouth Police Station, said on Monday "Patrols in the area have been stepped up by the local neighbourhood policing team. "We are encouraging residents to become members of neighbourhood watch teams, which we are hoping to set up". A meeting is taking place on June 26 at 7.pm in St Thomas's Church Hall. "The police are encouraging residents from the Drybridge area, which includes Carbonne Close and Buchanan Close, to come forward and speak to them face to face about any concerns they might have. "Gwent Police are working in partnership wh the Housing Association to execute warrants in the area and also gather intelligence from the surrounding community, hoping people will come forward and help them with their enquiries" said the officer.
