Boozers and Dealers to be Ordered Out of Peace Garden (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Boozers and Dealers to be Ordered Out of Peace Garden

June 6, 2007 12:00 AM

Liberal Democrat Councillors and local residents are calling for a Dispersal Zone and Controlled Drinking Zone (Designated Public Places Order) to stamp out antisocial behaviour in Elthorne Park.

The presence of drinkers and drug dealers in the Peace Garden at Elthorne park has discouraged the use of the garden by local people. The Peace Garden is a walled enclosure in the park that was built as a small haven of tranquillity for residents, but it has recently become used by local drinkers and, even more worryingly, by drug dealers, who are taking advantage of the seclusion to conduct their illegal business.

Various suggestions have been put forward to solve this problem, including knocking down the walls or adding viewing windows to the design, but local residents have called for the introduction of a Designated Public Places Order. The idea came from the Safer Neighbourhoods Team and was taken to the North Area police liaison meeting between councillors and the police. The local friends of the park group, Park Life, support the move.

Local Councillor Greg Foxsmith commented:

"This dispersal order is what the people want. The Peace Garden is supposed to be a haven for local people, not a private drinking ground for antisocial elements.

"People ought to be able enjoy themselves free from threatening and disturbing behaviour. Local people have told me about the intimidation and harassment that goes on in the park, and no one should have to put up with that. The fact that this is an enclosed area has also made it attractive to drug dealers, which is something we have to stamp out. Then the Peace Garden can go back to what it was: a lovely, secluded spot where people can get some peace."

Councillor Marisha Ray, Executive Member for Community Safety, said:

"This is what the local community wants. We are listening to them, and agree that no-one should have to put up with intimidation in our parks. Introducing a controlled drinking zone is a proportionate response, and we are not afraid to act decisively against crime and anti social behaviour right across Islington. Similar Orders in other parts of the borough are already being set up."

The Zone will be policed by Safer Neighbourhoods' officers, who will monitor its effects. It will allow police to challenge people drinking in the Garden if they feel they are causing, or likely to cause, trouble. Officers can ask people to stop drinking and, if they refuse, can confiscate the drink and arrest them. Antisocial people will be dispersed from the area.

The application for the Designated Public Places Order has now been submitted to the council.