Gosport residents make a plea for CCTV where dad was attacked

People who live in the area known as the White Lion housing estate and surrounding areas, in the Town ward, Gosport, are worried that a lack of cameras and police patrols may contribute to an increased level of crime in the area.

There are also fears that Gosport police station’s approaching closure will add to the problem – although the police have said previously that they will keep a base in the town, even when the station closes.

As reported by The News, David Featherstone was left with multiple bleeds on the brain after he was knocked unconscious between Burnham’s Walk and Farriers Walk in July.

But a lack of witnesses and CCTV has meant that the case can be taken no further by police.

His wife, Gemma, 35, is now campaigning to get CCTV installed in the area for the protection of her neighbours.

She said: ‘There is a big fear from residents in the area who worry about the lack of cameras or police supervision.

‘David has been unable to get justice after his attack and there have also been a number of other incidents in the area lately that have made our concerns even more relevant.

‘There is a park in the area where children play and I always feel that I have to be with my daughter when she plays in there – that’s another reason why we need cameras.

‘If we are not going to have a police station, then we need something in place or things are going to get worse.’

Marie Hind, of Jervis Drive, said: ‘I was shocked when I heard that David was attacked. This wasn’t just a one-off incident, things like this are happening all of the time.

‘I live a few minutes up the road but I don’t like going out at night and I’m only 35.’

Julie Petty, Gosport Borough Council’s head of corporate policy and community safety, said: ‘Community safety is extremely important to us and we have CCTV in place in a number of high-profile locations in the town.

‘Unfortunately, we don’t have the funds available to install more cameras.

‘However, we do have regular meetings with police and other partner agencies and we will ensure this area is discussed as a priority to see what action can be taken to improve the situation.’

Councillor Keith Farr, who represents the Town ward on Gosport Borough Council, said: ‘My colleague, Councillor June Cully, and I haven’t heard anything from the residents in the area.

‘However, we’re both very keen to get to the bottom of this and sort the outstanding issues anyone has, whatever the problem might be.

‘We’re very happy to meet anyone who has issues regarding the safety of the area and we will see what we can do to sort out the problem.

‘Julie Petty may have said there is no funds available so we will meet with her to discuss and see what we can do.

‘They are our residents and need looking after.’