Probation move is blamed for crime rise in Brampton

Mr Perkins has arranged the meeting after receiving reports from residents and business owners about people drinking alcohol or appearing to be intoxicated in the street.

The reports come following the news that the probation service had moved from its old Brimington offices to Barker Lane, just off Chatsworth Road, Brampton.

Last week the Derbyshire Times revealed how Sofia Latif-Ward, of Harleys Interiors, found syringes in an alleyway at the shop’s rear and was getting tired of seeing drunks hanging around on side streets.

Since then more businesses owners and residents have come forward to highlight the problem. One resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “I moved here just over a year ago from a very bad area.

“I am extremely annoyed to find the things I moved here to avoid, such as alcoholics in the street and drug users committing petty crime.

“It bothers that no residents or local businesses were told probation would be locating here. Surely residents should be informed so they can increase their home security, should they feel it necessary.”

One business owner told the Derbyshire Times: “I have seen used needles lying around and I often see a man and woman go past the shop and you can see that they are drunk.”

Another said: “They seem to be in their own little world really but the thing which annoys me is a few of them have dogs and they mess everywhere. They tend to congregate outside the Red Lion pub.”

DT Facebook followers shared their views. Danny White said: “The probation centre has caused the increase in anti social behaviour because all the scum bags now come into Brampton.”

Robin Outram added: “They have been dealing, drinking and fighting all along Chatsworth Road.”

A spokesman for Mr Perkins said he would be meeting with residents and the probation service’s regional director and the owners of Raincliffe House, where the service is now housed, next week.

A spokesman for the rehabilitation company said they would await the outcome of the meeting with Mr Perkins before commenting.