FEARFUL residents in Rock Hill are calling on the council to review its CCTV coverage in a crime-hit housing estate, after witnessing a rise in drug-dealing, fly-tipping and prostitution 'on their doorsteps'.

An attempted arson in Breakback Road last week was the final straw for several neighbours, who approached district councillor Michael Thompson for help in tackling the apparent crimewave.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Advertiser: "I've lived with anti-social behaviour for several years now. We regularly have police raids in the adjacent flats. It is not somewhere I feel safe to live. It is hard to come forward with information for fear of being a target of crime."

Another said: "After a year I have seen prostitution and drug-dealing outside of my house. This is not a safe place to live and we need support."

West Mercia Police confirmed officers have been patrolling the estate since the attempted arson attack on August 14, and will continue to work with residents to investigate any reports of criminal activity.

DCI Mel Paley said: "Communities play an important part in tackling crime and the information we receive from residents allows us to take robust action and enforcement, such as a number of warrants that were carried out in the area last year as part of proactive efforts to tackle reports of drugs and other offences in the area.

"I urge people to always contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency, and report any criminal behaviour to us so that appropriate action can be taken."

But ward member for Rock Hill Cllr Thompson insists a lack of CCTV is preventing police from catching the criminals involved, and has called on a Bromsgrove council task group to carry out a Short Sharp Review of local coverage.

"The lives of the people in this area are being ruined by a small minority," said Cllr Thompson. "I have had difficulty getting any sense from the council about the process to get CCTV and, sadly, have had to ask for a review of this process. We are optimistic of the group's findings and hope that, later this year, we can begin the process of applying for subtle and respectful CCTV in problem areas.

"I encourage all residents who are having problems with any crime to come to us in the confidence that they will be taken seriously."

Cllr Margaret Sherrey, whose portfolio covers community safety, denied the council had been slow in updating its CCTV provision, defending the findings of the Safer Bromsgrove Partnership, which decided after a consultation in December that new cameras were 'not the right solution' for Rock Hill.

She added: "We continually review our CCTV provision across the district and factors which are unique to every area.”