Town ‘not neglected’

CASEY Council has denied claims Hampton Park is the neglected town of Casey.
Resident Angela Gardner said the council had left Hampton Park behind, with reports of graffiti, damage to fences and litter being overlooked.
She said other areas in the municipality such as Berwick were “beautiful”, while Hampton Park was not as attractive looking.
But Casey’s acting manager of community safety Tracey Blythe said the council and State Government had invested a considerable amount in a community renewal program “to build upon the town’s assets, improve amenity of the area and create opportunities for positive change.”
Ms Blythe said the Hampton Park Community Renewal Project, which started in 2007, helped achieve some wonderful outcomes for the community.
“For instance, the recently-opened Youth Information Centre at Hampton Park was built at a total cost of $463,000, with council’s contribution being $348,000 (including $100,000 via SITA) and $115,000 from the Victorian Government through the Community Renewal Program,” Ms Blythe said.
As for the reported graffiti, the council said all graffiti reported to it in December 2010 was removed.
Ms Blythe said vandalism to council assets was removed within one working day and within one day for private property after receiving consent from the owner.
To report graffiti contact the council’s 24-hour graffiti hotline on1800 826 325.