Yobs make deaf mum's life hell (From South Wales Argus)

Yobs make deaf mum's life hell

6:20pm Monday 31st August 2009 in News By Jessica Best

Alison Morgan with her mum June Morgan

A PROFOUNDLY deaf woman is being made a prisoner in her own home after a three year campaign by local vandals left her scared to step out of her own front door.

Alison Morgan, 50, who has been deaf since birth, lives in Russell Drive, Malpas in Newport, with her 10-year-old daughter Aimee Waters.

But since the family moved in 2006 her mother says they have been subject to a sustained series of attacks by local youths, including having their door kicked in, car wing mirrors smashed, graffiti sprayed on walls and even an iron bar thrown at Miss Morgan’s mother June Morgan as she left her daughter’s home after visiting one evening.

Following the latest incident where Miss Morgan's bin was set alight in the middle of the night, June Morgan, 78, said she may have to move her daughter from her council flat because she can no longer be sure of Miss Morgan's or her granddaughter's safety.

She said: “It doesn't sound like much but to a deaf person a bin burning is extremely frightening. Alison would not have heard the burning or even the sirens of the fire brigade if they turned up.”

To add insult to injury, June Morgan said her daughter will now have to pay Newport city council £16.50 to replace the wheelie bin which was destroyed in the fire.

Mrs Morgan said she believed the youths, some as young as 12, target her daughter because they know she’s different.

Although Alison can drive, her family say it is difficult for her to find work where people can communicate with her.

Her daughter Aimee is registered as a carer and helps speak for her mother who can only use British Sign Language.

Alison, speaking with the help of her sister Catherine Levy, said she felt she had no freedom and was nervous in the flat.

"I find it difficult to communicate and I don't have the confidence to ask people drinking and smoking outside the shop to go home."

A police spokeswoman said officers were contacted at 2.30pm on August 25 about a bin having been set alight a previous night, outside an address on Russell Drive.

This is being investigated, she said, adding that anti-social behaviour was a priority in the area with targeted patrols in place.

“We would encourage members of the community to contact us as soon as possible so we can quickly attend and give the best opportunity to make arrests,” she added.

Newport City Homes and Newport Council could not be reached for comment.

People who are deaf or hard of hearing can register for the SMS texting service from Gwent Police.

For more information contacting the duty supervisor at the Gwent Police force control room at Police Headquarters, Cwmbran, NP44 2XJ.

If you are hearing impaired and have access to a minicom device you can also contact the force on 01633 877574.