'We don't feel safe in our own home anymore living next to children's care home,' says family at their 'wit's end'
A family say they ‘no longer feel safe’ in their own home due to ongoing problems linked to a neighbouring children’s care home.
The homeowner contacted the Chronicle & Echo to describe what it has been like living next door to the property.
The family, who wish to remain anonymous, said: “Over an extended period, my family has experienced repeated incidents including aggressive behaviour, threats, property damage, persistent disturbance, and frequent police attendance.
"In several instances, police officers have advised us that it was not safe for us to be outside our own home during incidents next door. Most recently, an incident escalated to the point where police were required to attend following threats made towards us and significant damage within the property.
“Despite repeated attempts to raise concerns through the appropriate channels – there has been no meaningful or lasting improvement. The situation has now reached a point where we no longer feel safe in our own home, and our quality of life has been severely affected.
“While we fully recognise that children in care are often vulnerable and deserve proper support, the apparent lack of effective management, supervision, and intervention is failing both the children placed in the home and the neighbouring residents who are living with the consequences.”
A week later the resident contacted the newspaper again.
They said: “We had to call the police again the other evening which resulted in further verbal abuse towards my family. We also received a threatening letter and today my wife has been verbally abused whilst putting out the washing. We are at our wits end and are really struggling.”
Northamptonshire Police confirmed officers have been called to the property on multiple occasions.
A spokeswoman said: “Keep calling us on 101 or if it’s an emergency 999. We will assess every call and respond as appropriately.”
A spokesman for West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) says it is aware of the situation but that it is not responsible for the home.
A WNC spokesman said: “WNC is aware of concerns raised about the children’s care home. While this home is not commissioned by the council, we take all reports of anti-social behaviour and safeguarding seriously.
“We encourage residents to report any criminal behaviour to the police via 101 or online. Anti-social behaviour can also be reported online via the council's website. Any noise or environmental issues should be reported to our Environmental Protection team.
“We have also notified the relevant safeguarding partners and will continue working with partners to support community safety and the wellbeing of everyone involved.”