Progress from Magenta on Crossways

The St James’ Centre was packed full for a residents meeting last Friday.

Councillor George Davies and I had invited Magenta to address residents’ concerns about the condition of the Crossways Estate.

Magenta deserves credit for the way it has responded. Three immediate steps were agreed at the meeting.

First, Magenta is to send in its Antisocial Behaviour officers to patrol the area on a regular basis. This should prevent any trouble occurring, and, in the event an incident does take place, it should ensure a swift response.

A second welcome move being taken by Magenta is to mobilise the Pest Control team over the coming weeks. Any Crossways residents who have reported problems with mice and rats can expect a visit, with swift action to follow.

Another major concern voiced by residents was the large number of homes that had been allowed to sit empty for so long. Magenta responded at the meeting by agreeing to let some of the empty three bedroom properties.

Before we meet again in March, Magenta has committed itself to talk with private developers and come up with some longer term plans on what they can do with the empty properties, and other Crossways sites that have fallen into disrepair.

There are some mega, deep-seated problems being reported by Crossways residents. But these three immediate steps from Magenta, as well as its longer term commitment, could well offer some welcome relief.