Perth Voice Interactive

MAYLANDS Labor MP Lisa Baker says the McGowan government will spend $160,000 tackling anti-social behaviour in the suburb, following ongoing complaints from residents and business owners about violence, theft and drug use.

The problems had gotten so bad that Bayswater police recently held a community meeting in Maylands.

An Eighth Avenue resident told The Voice her apartment complex had become a hotspot for homeless people who camped out at night, drinking, taking drugs and arguing until early hours of the morning.

She said she often found used syringes at the entrance to the complex, which was home to several young families.

Cr Catherine Ehrhardt says abandoned syringes, sleeping bags, and shopping trolleys full of clothes are common place in alcoves and doorways in and around Eighth Avenue.

She says police and rangers regularly move on anyone demonstrating anti-social behaviour, but offenders just move to other sites, including the Rise and the Maymont building.

“Maylands is an absolutely fantastic suburb, but the shop’s owners are at their wits ends,” she says.

Henry on Eighth manager Andrew Lillywhite say anti-social behaviour is bad in Maylands, especially on Eighth Avenue.

“Our owner Steve Lavell got punched in the throat when he intervened due to customer harassment,” he says.

“One lady once threatened a man with scissors, and one man has been banned from our venue and many others due to a reputation for violence and inappropriate behaviour towards women.

“Individuals who have become familiar with the venue, often due to coffee donations, have openly admitted to being high on heroin. I have seen one used syringe.”

Following a meeting between Ms Baker and WA police minister Michelle Roberts, the state government has committed $160,000 for more CCTV and improved lighting and public toilets in Maylands.

Bayswater Mayor Barry McKenna said they plan to install the CCTV in September, when they receive the funds.

by JACKSON LAVELL-LEE