Ashmore Plaza: Retailers ‘thrilled’ as security guards hired to deter troublemakers

Retailers are hailing as “absolutely fabulous” a change being made at Ashmore Plaza shopping centre aimed at deterring troublemakers.

A SECURITY officer will start patrolling Ashmore Plaza Shopping Centre from Saturday, with retailers “thrilled” that nearby “troublemakers” will be moved on.

Jarad Farrow from Ink Citi Qld said his initial reaction was “thank God” and he desperately hoped having an increased security presence would provide customers with the confidence to return to their shops.

“I’m personally hoping the ones that got scared away will start coming back and hopefully new ones will start coming,” he said.

He’s been told that security will operate for seven hours a day every day, but the situation will be reassessed when things “improve or go down depending on what happens, hopefully improve”.

Little Drip cafe owner Rob Lewis has been calling for security at Ashmore Plaza Shopping Centre. Picture: Jerad Williams

“It’s absolutely fabulous” says Ashmore Plaza Hair Design owner Simone Schofield, who has been fighting for security for years.

“While it’s great news, the Plaza still needs a complete facelift and we pay our rents and I’ve been here for 30 years and nothing has been done so we’re waiting to see what happens next,” she said.

Mamma Mia’s pizza shop owner Miranda Beardshall said the news that security was starting had spread like “wildfire” throughout the centre.

“My husband has been here for 30 years and because we’ve got no centre management on site he’s been helping to control things after dark. Having someone to help move on people who disturb our customers is going to be amazing, we are just thrilled,” she said.

Last month the Bulletin reported locals were avoiding the area, dubbing it “Trashmore” Plaza, because it was in a state of disrepair and customers were frequently verbally abused by “deros” from neighbouring supported accommodation facilities.

Ashmore Plaza is to get security guards, much to the relief of retailers. Picture: Jerad Williams

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They have been calling for centre management to pay for security to move on people who hang around outside asking for money and cigarettes.

David Ross, facilities manager for the body corporate which owns half of the shopping centre, said he’d been working tirelessly with concerned bodies to get security located onsite.

“The number one priority should be the security of the retailers in the centre and their customers, having an on-site presence will ensure troublemakers are moved on.”

Mr Ross, of Diverse FMX, added that overdue maintenance at the centre, such as repairing leaks in the roof, were slowly being chipped away at.