AN ASHMONT resident has defended his suburb of 31 years, saying small, troubled pockets were blackening its reputation.
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Father of two Josh Seach, who moved to Ashmont in July 1984, described Crawford Street as Wagga’s “best kept secret”. It was not the city’s “struggle street”.
A shearer, who employs a staff of 15, Mr Seach leaves his home at 5.30am daily and is greeted by fellow workers waking up to contribute positively to their community.
“All of Ashmont should not be tarred with the one brush,” the dual property owner said.
He did not deny Bureau of Crime Statistics figures published in Saturday’s Advertiser painted a bleak picture.
From January 2013 to December 2014, 2512 assaults, 8110 thefts and 4234 malicious damages to property occurred in Ashmont (per 100,000). But Mr Seach denied the entire suburb was crime-riddled.
“Where I live, it’s very different. I know it is like a warzone out there, but that is one part.”
In his 34 years in Crawford Street, Mr Seach has had one garden hose knocked off. His house has not been burnt or emblazoned with graffiti.
Mr Seach expressed concern that the actions of few were rubbishing Ashmont’s reputation which could result in decreased property values and greater problems for the suburb.
He called for more police patrolling and said an Ashmont-based police station would instill fear in potential criminals, dissuading them from wrecking havoc.
Ashmont Community Resource Centre support worker Shandi Gibbons said the centre offered as much support as it could to families and struggling youth.
She said developing relationships with community members was “absolutely vital” to create change.
