It could last as long as three years.
Measures to curb antisocial behaviour around London Fields could include an alcohol ban in the popular London park. A consultation involving local residents is due to take place to discuss drinking in public places around Hackney. [Featured Image: Hackney Council].
These discussions would involve a proposed three-year Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for London Fields alongside reinforcing other existing controls to tackle street-drinking across the borough. This order would give police and council enforcement officers the power to ask people to stop drinking alcohol if they are causing antisocial behaviour, as well as being able to dish out fines to those who refuse to stop.
Community safety chief Councillor Susan Fajana-Thomas said: “We want to ensure our parks and public spaces are places everyone can enjoy.”
According to the council, PSPO powers that were introduced around ten years ago have resulted in complaints from street drinking decline by 94 per cent, from 609 in 2010 to 38 in 2019.
Consultations with residents in Autumn 2020 brought up concerns from 68 per cent of residents on antisocial behaviour in London Fields, including littering, noise, public urinations, drunkenness and drug taking.
Hackney’s parks chief Councillor Caroline Woodley said: “We’re acting in response to local people’s concerns and seeking to prevent the kind of behaviour that has blighted the park for a number of years and ensure London Fields remains a place for everyone.”
Residents can voice their opinion on these issues by heading to the Hackney council website.