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A man who campaigned for changes at a crime-blighted block of flats says news of a stabbing last week was the inevitable conclusion of years of neglect.
Peter Jewett believes the situation is likely to worsen unless the council tackles issues at Gravesham Court in Clarence Row, Gravesend.
“I did my time in the forces and I didn’t see so much action then as I did in Gravesham Court,” was the grim summary of the former military man and retired shop owner, who was moved to new sheltered accommodation in Shears Green Court.
“I made so much fuss the council moved me out,” added Mr Jewett, 65. “There was drug dealing going on - people out of their heads.”
Two years ago Mr Jewett led calls, alongside Gravesham MP Adam Holloway to protect people living “on the front line” of anti-social behaviour.
But in the latest incident, a man was seriously injured after being stabbed twice in the abdomen, piercing his liver, last Friday. He is now said to be in a stable condition as he recovers from emergency surgery.
“It’s just a horrible place - it wants ripping down. I made so much fuss and all they said is they’re going to paint the outside. " - Peter Jewett
“One of my neighbours contacted me and said ‘you were right’,” added Mr Jewett. “I said this was going to happen.”
“It’s just a horrible place - it wants ripping down. I made so much fuss and all they said is they’re going to paint the outside.
“Now I’ve gone to Shears Green Court and I can leave the front door open - that’s what I was looking forward to when I retired; not being stuck in a war zone.”
Mr Jewett says he invited Gravesham council chief executive David Hughes to visit on a Friday night but the invitation was declined.
Detective Sergeant Nichole Carter, of the community safety unit in Gravesham, said officers were completely committed to providing a response when concerns were raised, and that Police Community Support Officers would increase patrols to provide reassurance and listen to concerns.
A council spokesman said: “While there have been some incidents of anti-social behaviour at Gravesham Court, the reported incidents have been dealt with promptly.
“In tackling a problem of unauthorised people gaining access to the block, regular security patrol of both buildings is provided by an external professional security company employed by the council.”
The council said sheltered housing sections of the block had additional access control systems to provide security, and that redecoration at the flats was not carried out in response to crime.
A man appeared in court on Monday charged with attempted murder after Friday's stabbing.
Lemuel Lee, of Rees Gardens, Croydon, was charged after officers were called to Gravesham Court at around 1pm.
The 19-year-old appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court where he was remanded in custody to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday, July 22.
