Camden New Journal - NewS: Asbo threat lifted

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Camden New Journal - by CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS
Published: 19 April 2007

Asbo threat lifted but ball ban remains

A THREAT to slap parents who let their children play football at the back of their estate with an Asbo has been withdrawn by Camden Council.
And in an apparent about-face for the council, Lib Dem council leader Keith Moffitt admitted that he had been unaware of the letter that was sent out to families living on the Grove Place estate in Hampstead.
The New Journal revealed two weeks ago that parents were told they could be slapped with an Asbo and evicted if their children played outside.
At Monday’s full council meeting, fending off criticism from Labour councillor Penny Abraham, Cllr Moffitt claimed the letter was sent out because of a system set up by the previous council.
He said: “It is quite clear to me we are mopping up the mess of the previous administration.”
One of the parents who received a letter, Jenny Anderson, has accused the council chief of politicking because her sons Cal, 11, and Seth, 5, are still forbidden to kick a ball in the back garden. “They’re just putting a public face on something but doing nothing,” she said.” While he said ‘threatening people with Asbos was heavy-handed’ it doesn’t matter. Whether it’s a threat of an Asbo or a threat of eviction they’re still saying there’s nowhere for your children to play.”
Last night (Wednesday) Cllr Moffit said: “If I think what officers are doing does not reflect the policy of this administration I am quite happy to say so.”

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