ALTHOUGH Miss Hilden and her family are on the priority list is it proving difficult to find a suitable property for them.Miss Hilden's father, John, also lives with them and has been categorized as needing wheelchair access as he has difficulty walking due to gout and arthritis.
ALTHOUGH Miss Hilden and her family are on the priority list is it proving difficult to find a suitable property for them.
Miss Hilden's father, John, also lives with them and has been categorized as needing wheelchair access as he has difficulty walking due to gout and arthritis.
An Ipswich Borough Council spokesman said: "We take any allegations of racial harassment very seriously indeed and we are determined to stamp it out.
"In this case we have now heard officially from the police that they are supporting a move and we are treating this as a priority transfer. We have talked to the family about a move but we have a lack of accommodation suitable for their specialised needs in the areas of Ipswich that they have requested a move to.
"Nevertheless, we are on their side and if we find out that council tenants are responsible for the harassment we will come down on them hard. We must all work together to get rid of this behaviour."
Police inspector Tim Powell said: "We are keen to detect any racially aggravated offences and if anyone can help we would like them to come forward. We have been liaising with our partners in social services and the health authority to support the family in their request for a move."
Kulvir Chima, Suffolk County Council's anti-racism officer, said:
"We have been aware of this family's situation for some time and have been working with partner organisations to offer them support and to quickly find a solution. We will continue to so until their difficulties are resolved."
Catalogue of racial abuse.
22/05/02 - criminal damage to a window at the house. The culprit has not yet been found.
16/08/02 - 03/03/03 - racially aggravated harassment. Neighbours Mr and Mrs Wightman were convicted in court.
13/09/02 - criminal damage to front window. The culprit has not yet been found.
26/03/03 - criminal damage to the rear gate and racial abuse spray painted on the fence. Still subject to investigation.
15/04/03 - criminal damage to window in the front door. Still subject to investigation.
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