Neighbours have shut down a claim that an estate in Reading is full of ‘wannabe gangsters.’
Complaints have been made about crime and anti-social behaviour on the Amersham Road estate in Caversham, with a neighbour complaining that some individuals behaved like ‘wannabe gangsters’ and there being a prevalent smell of cannabis in the area.
The issue was raised by a father who lives on the estate, who said that there are nice people in the neighbourhood but issues surrounding crime remain.
However, neighbours living on the estate say that they do not recognise the issues raised.
Sheena Wotherspoon, who also lives there, said: “I have lived on Amersham Road for 45 years I never had any problems.
“I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”
Reanne Wiggins said: “That estate is actually a nice place to live now much better than when I was a kid.
“I live in the same Close as this man. It’s the quietest part of the estate, I don’t know what he’s on about.”
One woman even said she would be willing to move back to the area.
Franky Simmonds said: “I lived there 13 years and never had any trouble and if I could move back I would I always felt safe and my kids were always happy and safe there.
“Most of the estate are like family and help each other out they are a great community.”
READ MORE: Reading tiler wants to use £20k he won in YouTube contest to leave 'violent' estate
Another Reading resident stated that the issues Mr Brock raised are prevalent throughout the town.
Kim Sharp said: “That’s just one estate, we’ve got many estates like that everywhere.
“Young people are frustrated because there is nothing for them to do.
“Councils have closed most youth clubs down and do not have money to do anything else.
“You can smell weed where ever you go, town or anywhere.”
According to the website Berkshire Youth, there is one Youth Club in Reading called SYNC, which runs from 7.30pm-9pm on alternating Fridays for those aged 11-16 at the Grace Church in Peppard Road, Caversham.
A web search also lists a number of clubs in the area and the Emmer Green Youth & Community Centre, which can be can be hired for regular groups, events and parties.
There are also a number of Scout groups throughout Reading.
In terms of general community facilities, The Weller Centre is located at the end of Amersham Road.
READ MORE: Food donations encouraged at Weller Centre in Caversham
After speaking with the Amersham Road estate resident, the Local Democracy Reporting Service asked Labour Caversham ward councillors whether the prevalent smell of weed and complaints about ‘wannabe gangsters’ had been raised with them.
Cllr Matt Yeo said the smell of weed is prevalent throughout Reading, with cllr Jacopo Lanzoni being unaware of complaints about gang activity in the Amersham Road estate.
Cllr Jan Gavin said Caversham is one of the lowest crime areas in the town.
James Liam criticised the councillors for being dismissive of the issues Mr Brock raised.
Mr Liam said: “Clearly these councillors do not care. Instead of empathising with the residents, they point to how bad it is elsewhere. Completely disgraceful.”
Meanwhile, Emma Fuller argued complaints about the estate are isolated.
She said: “I see lots of people on a certain road in Caversham always complaining they have people trying their car doors and knocking on their doors.
“I’ve never had a whiff of trouble and our cars are constantly walked past.
“People look out for each other and that’s worth more than anything else. My son climbed in our window as forgot a key and a neighbour called it in and the police were there quickly ( before shortages).
“I feel safer living here than I would anywhere else and I know many people would give me their last cup of sugar if I needed it.
“The councillors aren’t bothered because the report is untrue.”
The three councillors all urged neighbours to report crime to Thames Valley Police online and with the non-emergency number 101.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel