Toulouse: “We have to anticipate to avoid the worst”
Vice-president of the Ponts-Jumeaux district committee (12,000 inhabitants), Claude Marquié wants to anticipate the problems on the ZAC des Ponts-Jumeaux (5,000 inhabitants). He details how, installed in the new Neighborhood House, recently deactivated by the mayor of Toulouse.
Why this desire for prevention?
To anticipate problems upstream precisely. Our Zac is wrapped in “hot” quarters if we can say so: Salad, Bourbaki, Negreneys, etc. We don’t want to have the same issues.
What is the situation on this ZAC?
We especially know deal problems including in closed residences or in the public garden in broad daylight, assaults on people with theft of paper. These young people are often from other neighborhoods who dismantle cars, activate fire extinguishers to avoid leaving their fingerprints, burn scooters, etc. Nothing dramatic but you have to anticipate.
Recently you spoke with Emilion Esnault, deputy mayor in charge of security.
Absolutely. I attended a meeting on the district, made by Emilion Esnault, of the local council of security and prevention against delinquency. A wise initiative by the City to assess the situation in each city. This is where we understood that we had to be vigilant to continue walking around the neighborhood at 10 p.m.
Has the long-awaited city-stadium improved things?
For a while yes, but very quickly, these young people came to deal. So we asked for a police patrol. For the past few days, we have also had a referent in relation to the association who intervenes in the event of problems. We don’t want the neighborhood to become a lawless zone. For this, local residents are very responsive, we keep them informed and immediately alert the police.
little, the ZAC is equipped with a Since video surveillance camera…
Yes, in front of a bar which is a problem. It is a deterrent that has proven itself. We will assume others. The town hall knows it. We want to do everything to avoid having the BAC on patrol every night. A situation that is sometimes necessary but which does not give a positive image of the district. So far we are getting there. Local residents are not afraid, they call, warn of problems. This is our strong point.