RESIDENTS of Phoenix Villa, a developing housing scheme in Portmore, St Catherine, are seeking urgent audience with Portmore Mayor George Lee to discuss a number of problems they say are plaguing the community.

At the heart of the residents' concerns is the rise in crime in the area, the construction of a number of poor relief houses rather than dwellings for young professionals and insufficient signage in the community once known as Portmore Villa.

The residents raised their concerns with the Jamaica Observer Wednesday.

"Because of these and other developments, we are urgently seeking a meeting with Mayor Lee," said a member of the community who asked not to be named because of involvement with the civil service.

According to residents, the community has seen an increase in robberies in recent months. The problem, they say, is compounded by the absence of proper road signs in the area.

"Without the signs, when criminal acts are taking place in the area residents are unable to properly direct the police to the areas where the incidents are taking place," said a resident who asked not to be named out of fear of reprisal for speaking out.

On the matter of housing, the residents said they were informed by officials in the housing sector that units would have been built for young professionals, but all they have seen to date are structures built by charity for the poor.