Osmaston residents set up community group to cut crime

Residents in a part of Derby say they have become so fed up with crime and anti-social behaviour, they have formed their own community association.

Oscar, the Osmaston Community Association of Residents, was set up after plans to regenerate the area were dropped due to spending cuts.

Osmaston resident Gary Wooley said the aim of the association was to bring the community together.

The group said it was working with Derbyshire Police to reduce crime.

"Gangs have taken over the area and we're just trying to stop it," said Mr Wooley.

"Years ago housing officers used to come round, check houses were well decorated and make sure the gardens were kept nicely, we need to bring that sort of thing back."

Police intelligence

Oscar's chairman, Ray Theobald, said the association was important for residents.

"Osmaston has historically suffered from a lack of investment. There was a huge regeneration project in the pipeline but then there was global, financial collapse and the funding disappeared," he said.

"Rather than just going quiet and dormant, Oscar was set up in the ashes, to be community driven."

Pc Neil Smith from Derbyshire Police said officers were keen to help the association.

"We have to build a picture of intelligence," he said. "It may not appear we are doing things but things do go on behind the scenes."

Oscar is based at Derby City Homes' Addison Road housing office.