Murder scene bid for CCTV cameras
A PETITION has been set up by worried residents demanding CCTV cameras overlooking the spot where Chris Poole was attacked and left for dead.
Mr Poole died after being kicked and punched outside the Premier store in the Hydneye area of Hampden Park and two teenagers have since appeared in court charged with his murder.
The 46-year-old had been walking his dogs and was set upon as he went to untie them having just left the shop.
A post mortem confirmed he had suffered a broken jaw, fractured cheek and bruising above his ear, consistent with being kicked and punched in the head.
News of the death shocked the local area and concerned residents are pushing Eastbourne Borough Council to act and install CCTV cameras near the shop to prevent anything similar happening in the future.
A petition in the shop has attracted more than 150 names and the fight has now gone online, with Herald readers urged to add their names to the list.
Carolin Harrison contacted the newspaper to ask for help in spreading the word and said, “We, as people from the local community, have tried for almost two years to get CCTV to monitor the area but nothing was done.
“We need to get as many signatures as possible to support our plea for CCTV in this area.
“CCTV will make this area more safe for us and the children round here.”
She was by no means alone in getting in touch with the Herald in the wake of the tragic death. A number of readers have voiced their concerns.
A pensioner, who was too scared to leave their name through fear of repercussions, said, “Neither my wife nor I feel safe in our community and from what we see going on in the streets of Hampden Park we do not consider this [the attack] to have been out of character – this was sooner or later inevitable.”
It was a sentiment shared by Neil Wood, who said more police were also needed on the streets.
He said, “I have lived in Hampden Park for 42 years and in that time I have seen how our police forces have been run down in our area over time.
“The death of Mr Chris Poole could have been any one of us on that night – this is what makes this so shocking. Our streets are not safe.”
David Balazs was one of many who had already signed the petition.
He said, “My son lives very close to the Hydneye and uses the shop in question so I for one would feel much happier if there were CCTV cameras in that area.
“Anything that will prevent a similar incident happening again can only be a good thing.”
And a retired policeman living nearby, who asked to remain anonymous, added, “I back this petition 100 per cent.
“The yob situation has got out of hand and anything to deter this sort of behaviour must be a plus for the area.
“Get the cameras in.”
For its part, Eastbourne Borough Council says it is not aware of any official requests for cameras in the area and has promised to listen to any future calls for CCTV in the town.
To add your name to the petition, visit www.gopetition.com/petitions/cctv-in-hampden-park-the-hydneye-the-premier-shop-are.html or pop into the Premier store.
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Weather for Eastbourne
Thursday 23 May 2013
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