Troublesome Shuswap house razed

A troublesome house in Scotch Creek has been torn down, according to Jay Simpson, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District director for the North Shuswap area.

Simpson said the owner was unaware the house was being used by squatters and it was torn down on Friday.

Just a few days ago, an arson fire was set at the residence and Chase police warned locals not to resort to vigilantism.

Simpson said there is frustration in the small community over ongoing thefts and drug dealing and concern over the lack of coverage by the small RCMP detachment, the members of which have a wide area to patrol.

Community leaders were expected to meet Friday evening to discuss the issues although the RCMP would not be attending, he said.

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“This is a start for the community to get some ideas and to move forward,” Simpson told Vernon Matters.

“We know who the perpetrators are, we know where they live and what they are doing and we are frustrated,” Simpson said. “We are not alone. It’s happening throughout the Interior in many rural areas. People are selling drugs and stealing things.”

Simpson said a report that up to 300 people would be attending Friday’s meeting was not correct because the venue could not accomodate that number.

“There is a lot of community interest. We are trying to reduce expectations,” he said.

Simpson said a larger community meeting on the topic is expected to be held at a later date.

—With files from the Canadian Press