Friday, June 01, 2007
dipersal areas
New dispersal area to stop harassment in Brixton
Lambeth Council and Police have set up a "dispersal area" enabling police officers and Police Community Support Officers to disperse groups who are causing intimidation and committing anti-social behaviour, under new powers granted to police by Anti-Social Behaviour Legislation in 2003.
The dispersal area covers Windrush Square , Electric Lane , Rushcroft Road , Saltoun Road and a number of other neighbouring roads that experience high levels of anti-social behaviour, and where residents and passers-by regularly complain of intimidation, abuse and drug taking.
Cllr Mark Bennett, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said:
"People have a right to feel safe in their community, and it is unacceptable that anybody should feel threatened by groups of people hanging around, who are often under the influence of drink or drugs, and who threaten, harass and aggressively beg.
"We are using this Anti-Social Behaviour legislation to end intimidating behaviour from a handful of people who persistently harass passers-by, and reclaiming Brixton for the overwhelming majority who want to go freely about their business, feeling safe. Just as important, however, is the continuing outreach support the council and other partners are giving to help break the cycle of those affected by drug and alcohol dependency, by encouraging them to seek help."
The Police and the Council will carefully monitor the effectiveness of the dispersal area, and look to extend it if necessary.
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