A DEBATE on whether to fence off the haves from the have-nots in Mount Hawthorn has been sparked by an alleged spate of break-ins around Lynton Street.
A few complaints have been been made by residents claiming Lynton Street reserve and the street “are unsafe areas due to some persons accessing Lynton Street through the park” from houses on the other side of the street, many of which are public housing.
“It is claimed that a number of homes and vehicles have been broken into recently,” the Vincent council report says.
The council got together with the WA housing department and figured a fence with a lockable gate might stop miscreants getting through. Residents could have a key if they wanted to use the park. That upset residents on the other side of the proposed fence: “does the city intend to obstruct lawful land use?”
Beleaguered-looking councillors voted to hold a public meeting to discuss it, but they weren’t sounding fond of a barrier.
“I’m not a fan of fencing parks,” Cr Josh Topelberg says. “I will take a lot of convincing.”
Mayor John Carey says “I did raise it with the police and they said the crime stats aren’t there to back up the concerns”.
by DAVID BELL
Perth Voice Interactive 
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