In light of the ongoing debate over safety and crime in the Gare district, our colleagues at 5Minutes have spoken to residents for their thoughts on the situation.

Claude Neu moved to the area a year ago, after spending decades living near Merl park. He said the transition had worked well.

In his sixties, retired, and described as a man who smiles frequently, Neu offered a very different image of the Gare district to that depicted in the news. He said it was a vibrant area, full of convenience, and compared the atmosphere to New York.

When asked for his thoughts on the recurring issues in the area, such as prostitution, drug dealing and organised begging, Neu explained it was simply part of city life. He did not deny the existence of such problems, but said it did not bother him personally. He felt the situation was somewhat "exaggerated", and recounted times when he had been approached by dealers, but said they had always acted respectfully.

Neu also said he did not consider prostitutes on the streets to be an issue. With regard to addicts or homeless people, he admitted that some had a tendency to sleep in people's cellars, but attributed this to residents not locking the doors.

"DIFFERENT FOR PARENTS"

Although Neu rationalised the issues, he acknowledged his privilege with regard to his home and his situation, and said it was no doubt a different experience for families. He described inappropriate comments and feelings of insecurity, which he as a single man would not be exposed to.

Despite his own positive feelings about the area, he supported an increased police presence in problematic areas on a permanent basis, rather than two or three days after residents' meetings.

He also called for more security around schools to protect adolescents from being approached by drug dealers.

Neu's ideal solution would be the creation of a special brigade to maintain order without resorting to extremes.