Banbury estate residents complain over derelict garages that are a 'hotspot for criminal behaviour'

Housing association Sanctuary Housing has appealed to witnesses to report any anti-social behaviour or criminal behaviour to police.

But residents are becoming increasingly concerned that Sanctuary has not made the area safe by demolishing and rebuilding the garages.

The site is less than two metres from family homes in Ironstones. Van drivers have ignored ‘Strictly No Access’ signs and deposited material without authority.

A number of garages are damaged, unsecured and in disrepair with debris, broken panels and unsafe ground conditions throughout the area.

Alan Clark, whose elderly parents live yards from the site, said: “This location has increasingly become a hotspot for anti-social and criminal behaviour. There are regular concerns about individuals accessing the garages for drug-related activity and there have been repeated issues with pests.

"Most worryingly, emergency services – including fire and police - have attended on at least three occasions due to fires and explosions.

“This situation poses a real, ongoing risk to residents’ safety. Many households, including my parents, live directly adjacent to this site and are understandably concerned for their wellbeing and security.

“Sanctuary Housing have been contacted but the situation remains unresolved. Given the severity and duration of the problem, we feel further public attention is now necessary. Residents feel they have been consistently ignored, with little or no meaningful action taken.”

A complaint has been lodged with the Environment Agency and Cherwell District Council, calling for investigation into whether the dumping may constitute unauthorised waste activity. Banbury MP Sean Woodcock has also been asked to intervene.

Sanctuary Housing said: “Work is ongoing to address the issues at Ironstones and the broken fence has already been repaired to prevent unauthorised access to the garages.

“Further work is planned to fully secure the garages and clear the area as soon as possible and we would also encourage anyone who witnesses ASB or criminal behaviour of any sort to report it to the local police so that the individuals involved can be investigated.”

However Mr Clark said: “The site can still be accessed and in practice it remains unsecured. While we understand some fencing may have been reinstalled, it has not addressed the wider issue. Given the lack of visible environmental controls, the proximity to homes and the continued activity, I have now submitted a formal report to the Environment Agency.

“The key concern from residents is not just access but the overall condition of the site. The garages are in a state of serious disrepair, with damaged and broken doors, exposed units and debris spread throughout the area. It has effectively been left to deteriorate.

“Rather than being maintained for residents’ use, the garages have become more like a dumping ground. Residents feel the situation now goes beyond a simple repair issue — the site needs to be cleared, secured properly and rebuilt so it can be safely used again, rather than continuing in its current condition.”

Mr Clark has requested urgent action to secure all garages immediately, remove hazardous waste and debris, investigate ongoing anti-social behaviour and provide a clear plan and timeline for resolving the issues.