Area crime falls, but community spirit too

RESIDENTS GIVE VERDICT ON 'NEW' NORTH PROSPECT

- WILLIAM TELFORD

IT was once the most notorious area in all of Plymouth. But residents in North Prospect now speak of a lowcrime estate, with "lovely" houses but say that following its £130m regeneration it has lost some of its old community spirit.

This week marked the end of 12 years of rebuilding in what was once known as Swilly. Work began in 2012 on the largest regeneration scheme of its kind in the South West. It saw the demolition of almost 800 decrepit homes and the creation of 1,100 high-quality, energy-efficient new properties.

Before the regeneration the area was synonymous with social deprivation, antisocial behaviour and lawlessness. But now research says total crime in North Prospect has dropped by 59%, while public order offences have fallen by 76%.

And when The Herald spoke to residents this week they said the area is brighter, cleaner, and safer.

They liked the new-build properties, and the revamped older ones - but say regeneration brought in many new residents and some of the old community spirit has been lost." Sharon Cox, has lived in North Prospect for 35 years. She's in an older house in Austin Avenue which was refurbished with a new kitchen and bathroom.