As part of a joint investigation into reports from residents of anti-social behaviour - including drug taking and air-weapons being fired - the police executed four warrants and made five arrests yesterday at properties in Drawbridge Close, Maidstone.

Two men were arrested on suspicion of possessing a prohibited weapon, another on suspicion of possessing cannabis, one on suspicion of criminal damage and a woman on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs.

Hyde will not tolerate any form of anti-social behaviour by or against our residents and we are committed to working with our partners to take effective action against the perpetrators.

Insp Julie Dodge of Maidstone police added: “After receiving reports from concerned residents about repeated nuisance behaviour in Drawbridge Close, we took the step of taking swift and robust action. We want to enforce acceptable levels of behaviour in Maidstone and take action against the minority of people who are intent on intimidating or harassing others.”

We are here to listen to residents concerns and we want people to know that if they report anti-social behaviour to us, we will work with them and support them. We have a robust anti-social behaviour policy that seeks to address issues that arise.

The Healthy Living event organised by in touch (The Hyde Group’s supported housing arm) in Ashford, Kent last month was very successful with around 50 people attending to learn more about the support available to them so they can remain living in their homes in safety and comfort.

Joanne Latter, Ancillary Caseworker forin touch and organiser of the event, said: “About half of all those who visited filled out a questionnaire of what they would like to see in their community, so this will help us understand what they really want.”

Visitors enjoyed a range of free activities including a cooking demonstration, singing along to music, dancing, as well as Tai chi and pampering especially back massage, Indian Head Massage and manicures. They were also provided with refreshments.

Other exhibitors included Safe Hands, Community Information & Liaison Assistant Service, Kent Adult Education, Stroke Prevention, Kent Association for the Blind and Crop.

Demelza House, a residential children’s hospice in Sittingbourne, gratefully received 100 sweet boxes donated by Hyde’s Community Engagement Team in Kent.

Demelza’s Area Fundraising Manager, Hayley Richardson, said: “Demelza Hospice Care for Children is truly grateful for the donation of the selection boxes for the children and families over the Christmas period.

“Demelza relies on the support of the local community to continue this vital service for children and families in Kent, South London and East Sussex.”

Every year Kent’s Community Engagement Team does a whistle-stop festive tour where it visits Hyde estates and hands out around 500 selection packs to Hyde children. This year it decided to give the rest of its selection packs to Demelza as New Year’s gifts.

Steve Cable, Community Engagement Team Leader in Kent, said: “Demelza House plays such a valuable role caring for children and supporting families in the most difficult of circumstances.”

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A Hyde South East resident who faced eviction has won the battle to remain in his home thanks to a programme of concerted action taken by Hyde.

Our resident, who has been living in the UK for the last 30 years, had been working as a successful, trained bricklayer until the recession saw the number of building projects dry up. Experiencing difficulty finding work, he was forced to sign on for Job Seekers Allowance but was refused by his local JobCentre Plus who questioned his immigration status.

Whilst continuing to seek work, he enlisted the help of a solicitor regarding his immigration status who contacted JobCentre Plus on the resident’s behalf but had no success. Because of the outstanding Jobseekers Allowance decision, our resident was also refused his Housing Benefit, resulting in him having to borrow money from friends and family for basic living costs.

Not knowing which way to turn, and facing ever growing bank and rent debts, the resident contacted Hyde and was immediately referred to the Support and Inclusion Team. Following up the appeals, his Support Officer wrote an in-depth letter of complaint to the JobCentre Plus, which resulted in payouts worth £2,195 for backdated Jobseekers Allowance and £2,000 for Housing Benefit. In total, thanks to Hyde, he was able to obtain £5,195 in benefits and remained in his home.

Hyde South East also referred him to HydePlus where he was helped to gain further skills in order to find employment.

Hyde’s Support and Inclusion Team Leader, Diana Wade, said: “Hyde is committed to practical action to help our residents who find themselves in financial difficulty. The support that we are able to provide, from help with benefit entitlements to employment advice and training programmes, means that people facing an uncertain future can have peace of mind that help is available”.