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Estate is designated a ‘dispersal zone’ again |
Town Hall renews extra powers for police at Elthorne
Increasing reports of youth crime around estate
POLICE have been granted renewed powers to ban groups of youths deemed to be causing a nuisance from hanging around Elthorne Estate and Elthorne Park for up to 24 hours.
It is the second time police have asked Islington Council to put in force a dispersal order on the area.
They claim there have been an increasing number of reports of youth-related crime on Elthorne estate since the last order ended in September last year.
For three months from Tuesday this week, a dispersal order will cover St John’s Way, Sunnyside Road, Beaumont Rise, Hornsey Rise, Fairbridge Road and Ashbrook Road, in Archway.
It comes after Hillrise Safer Neighbourhoods officers requested additional powers to help put a stop to growing anti-social behaviour in that neighbourhood.
The powers will also allow police officers to take under-16s home if they deem it necessary.
Islington Police claim residents have complained that groups of young men aged between 15 and 25 have been intimidating neighbours, drinking alcohol, smoking cannabis and smashing bottles.
Up to 20 youths have been reportedly gathering on the estate at evenings and weekends.
At the same time Homes for Islington, who run the borough’s housing stock, are planning to install CCTV on the estate and considering placing metal gates to restrict access.
Police say they are looking at more long-term solutions to the problem to ensure the problems do not continue after the dispersal order expires.
Sergeant Aidan Driver from Hillrise Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “We have sought this dispersal zone to stop groups of young people hanging around on the Elthorne Estate which is a major concern to residents.
“The Elthorne Estate is our number one priority - as determined by the local ward panel.”
Liberal Democrat ward councillor Greg Foxsmith joined the Borough Police Commander for a walkabout on the estate last week.
Elthorne Estate resident Lorraine Constantinou said: “It’s good that our councillors arranged for the police top brass to come down to talk to us first hand and tell us how they are now going to deal with the gangs.”
Cllr Foxsmith said: “The council has moved swiftly to put in place the measures the police asked for to deal with antisocial behaviour and gangs on the estate and in the park.
“Nobody should have to put up with what Elthorne residents and park users have seen recently.
“Gangs from outside Islington are not welcome here and we will take the firmest action to stop them.”
Islington Police are asking any Hillrise residents with concerns to call 0208 345 3921. |
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