Peterborough Police carry out patrols at Fletton Quays after fires set at Whitworth Mill
Security towers installed on site to stop trespassers
Police have been carrying out patrols at Fletton Quays after reports of arsons at the old mill at the development.
Officers said residents had raised a number of concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour in the riverside area – particularly at Whitworth Mill.
There are plans to turn the mill into flats – but at the moment it is abandoned, and has turned into a magnet for trouble.
A Cambridgeshire Police spokesperson said: “We are aware of concerns from the community about anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Fletton Quays, particularly fires being deliberately set in the Old Mill.
“Our neighbourhood officers have been out to search the building where there is clear evidence of smoke damage. We have been in contact with the building owner who has taken extra measures to prevent ASB, including installing security towers around the building which capture images of anyone who enters.
“Tackling ASB in Fletton Quays is a priority for the local neighbourhood team who will continue these patrols.”
Developer Lioncross Whitworth is to create 62 apartments at the former Whitworth Mill site next to the River Nene at East Station Road, Fletton Quays, but has been told that a former right of way that ran across the water in front of the mill has to be replaced.
Planning approval for development was approved in February and will see the Mill, which was built in the 1840/50s, converted into 18 flats with three ground floor commercial premises. There will also be another 44 apartments arranged in three blocks.