Council backs alarm system against residents' complaints
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A COUNCIL has over-ruled complaints that a sophisticated .alarm system at a haulage yard is causing more problems than vandals and thieves.
High Truck Rental proprietor Trevor Spottiswood decided to install the 5:2,500 radar alarm at his Scotswood, Newcastle, depot earlier this year after an arson attack in January left two 12m lorries and four vans gutted.
Since the installation, his losses have dropped dramatically even though the alarm — which switches on the lights and triggers a siren — is tripped by vandals at least four times each week.
But his neighbours are not so pleased with his anti-crime tactics.
Even though the nearest house is 150m away from the depot, and the alarm re-sets itself after four minutes, Newcastle Council has received scores of complaints from neighbours.
Now the council's environmental health department has agreed that Spottiswood has the right to leave the alarm switched on.
"He does indeed seem to have a very difficult situation," admitted a council spokesman.