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POWERS to disperse people behaving anti-socially are the latest in a number of actions being taken to tackle youth disorder in parts of Camden. Camden Council and the police have proposed to introduce a dispersal zone, covering the wards of St Pancras and Somers Town, and Cantelowes, to make residents feel safer. If agreed the powers would start on 16 July 2008 and run until 15 January 2009. Residents and councillors have reported a number of incidents of antisocial behaviour in the area in particularly around Agar Grove estate. Incidents of antisocial behaviour have included:
· Large groups of young people congregating around Chalton Street, Bridge Street, Werrington Street and surrounding estates. It is believed these individuals are involved with drugs, causing residents to feel intimidated
· Large scale fights involving weapons, assaults and robbery within the proposed dispersal zone
· A report that a resident of the estate had their car windscreen broken when they attempted to challenge the youths' activity
· Youths riding mopeds dangerously around housing estates
· Communal bin areas being used to take drugs
· Dog fighting taking place. Each young person identified as being involved in anti-social behaviour will be referred to the appropriate intervention group where their behaviour will be discussed and enforcement action taken if necessary (1). Dispersal powers can ban groups of two or more people, who are being antisocial, from the zone. Police officers can ban people from the zone for up to 24 hours with the aim of diffusing the problem. Failure to comply with the dispersal powers is an offence and could lead to an arrest. Cllr James King, Camden Council's Executive Member for Community Safety, said: "This six month dispersal zone is needed to address significant and persistent antisocial behaviour by a minority of young people in the Somers Town area. This will then improve the quality of life for residents in these communities who should not be having to suffer the consequences of this behaviour." Chief Inspector Taylor Wilson said: "The Camden borough has used dispersal notices effectively over a period of time and have been supported by the community in offering them reassurance. Due to the continuing issues experienced in this area, and to enable officers to respond positively to keep local people safe, this is being considered for a period of six months." Despite reductions in the levels of youth related antisocial behaviour in the area, the problem still persists and both the Council and police believe dispersal powers will be beneficial in tackling the problem. The Council and police will evaluate the dispersal notice's use and effect at regular intervals throughout the six months. http://www.camden.gov.uk/ |
