Dispersal Zone - Northumberland Heath
A new Dispersal Zone will be introduced in Northumberland Heath from 00.01am
on 28 July 2008 and will remain in force for six months.
The Zone covers the Bexley Road area and is being established to tackle anti-social
behaviour. This has included vandalism, assaults and racist abuse, which has
seriously affected the lives of people in the local community.
"This is a further demonstration of our commitment to reducing anti-social
behaviour in the borough and to take firm action to address the concerns of
local people," explained Cllr
Katie Perrior, the London Borough of Bexley's
Cabinet member for Community Affairs. "Two of our key priorities for 2009
are to reduce anti-social behaviour caused by alcohol and groups of youths
and we will be working closely with the police to tackle the problems in Northumberland
Heath."
A Dispersal Order gives police powers to disperse groups of people, to require
people to leave the area, and to take home under 16s who are found in the zone
between 9pm and 6am.
The police will rigorously enforce the zone and failure to obey the direction
of a constable or a PCSO can lead to imprisonment or a fine.
The police and the London Borough of Bexley recognise that it is important
that steps are taken to prevent the issues resurfacing when the zone comes
to an end. One of the measures that will make the area less attractive to anti-social
elements is to gate the alleys that they use. Residents who want to know more
about how they can do this, should contact the Council's Neighbourhood Services
team on 08003 895013. The same number can be used to report licensed premises
that are selling to underage children, or to report anti-social behaviour.
Police Sergeant Kirstie Halls, who leads the Northumberland Heath Safer Neighbourhood
Team, said: "It is essential that people understand that you cannot come
to Northumberland Heath to cause trouble. Residents, young and old, and local
businesses have had enough!"
Sergeant Halls is particularly interested in hearing the views of young people
who live in the Northumberland Heath area and who would be keen to join the
Neighbourhood Panel that sets the policing priorities for the area.
She can be contacted on 020 8721 2502.
A Dispersal Zone was previously in place in Northumberland Heath from 1 May
to 31 October 2007. During these months there was a dramatic fall in reported
crime and the number of calls to the police. Large numbers of people reported
that the Dispersal Zone has a positive effect and improved their quality of
life, although it did not completely resolve the problems with anti-social
behaviour in the area.
The Police and Council hope that, in consultation with local people, the latest
dispersal zone can improve the quality of life for the community as a whole.
More information on this, and a map of the 'Sidcup Dispersal Zone' can be
found here:
