Transsexual wants out after two years of abuse

Oct 13 2009 By Russell Butt

Transsexual Rachel Maton has endured two years of abuse

A transsexual from Egham who has suffered abuse from local youths for two years is hoping to be relocated by Runnymede Council.

Rachel Maton, 54, of Holbrook Meadow, Pooley Green, became a council tenant just over two years ago. But soon after moving in found herself the subject of consistent abuse from youths in the area.

Ms Maton has been given 28 crime numbers by Surrey Police following the incidents she has reported in the last two years, which vary from verbal abuse in the street, to having her home pelted with stones and eggs.

After a year suffering the torrents of abuse on the estate, she decided enough was enough and sought the council's help in trying to get relocated far from her troubles. But a reply by the council following her application left her downhearted.

She said: "In the initial conversations they told me to indicate some areas I would like to live, and I said Wiltshire or the south coast - places I have lived before. But after I filled out and signed all the forms I was contacted and told I could only be offered somewhere in the borough.

"The council offered me a one-bedroom flat in Chertsey, but this is a two-bedroom house with a garden, it's not a like for like and I don't want to live in Chertsey, it's too close."

Ms Maton's home was fitted out with three 24-hour CCTV cameras provided by Surrey Police, as well as having a door camera and protection on the windows. The CCTV footage records the ongoings outside Ms Maton's home which she says have not waned in the past 12-months despite the introduction of Section 30 dispersal order - part of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 - which gives police officers the power to move on groups of youths they suspect might cause a nuisance within a designated area around Pooley Green.

A spokeman for Surrey Police denied this was the case and said there had been a marked decrease in incidents of anti-social behaviour since the order was introduced.

Director of Housing and Community Services at Runnymede Borough Council, Deborah Blowers, said they were aware of Ms Maton's background, had responded to her complaints and offered alternative accommodation.

She added: “We are aware of the case and have offered some help but this was not taken up. We will continue to assist as far as we can but the client also needs to be flexible about where they will move to.”

Mr Maton has been advised to speak to a Housing Adviser at the council next week to discuss the possibility of moving to another area with a view to exploring the possibility of a reciprocal move with another authority.