London,
18
May
2009
|
23:00
Europe/London

Locals have their say on drink-related anti-social behaviour in Hoxton

Hackney Council is looking to introduce additional powers to tackle alcohol related anti-social behaviour in and around Hoxton Street and is asking local residents and businesses for their views.

Hoxton Street combines history – it dates back to the Domesday survey in 1086 and is home to the oldest street market in the Capital – with the buzz of being at the heart of London’s fashion and creative industries. It was made a conservation area in 1983, paving the way for environmental improvements and facelifts to the buildings.

However, residents and businesses have recently raised concerns about alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in and around the street and an increase in anti-social behaviour outside St Monica’s primary school in Myrtle Walk and Fanshaw St N1.

To tackle this, Hackney Council and the police are considering introducing a Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) which gives police and police community support officers the power to seize or confiscate alcohol being consumed in a designated area if it is resulting in anti-social behaviour. Offenders can be prosecuted if they fail to comply.

These powers will be used in addition to existing work such as increased police and warden patrols and counselling for street drinkers.

Cllr Alan Laing, Hackney Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “This is not about stopping people from drinking alcohol, it is a way of dealing with alcohol related anti-social behaviour by anyone who makes life a misery for everybody else.”

Local residents and businesses have been sent a leaflet explaining the proposals and have until 19th June to reply Jenny Donaldson on 020 7161 9234, email Jenny.Donaldson@met.police.uk. For further information, see http://www.consultationfinder.com/hackney.

Notes for editors