Thu, 07 January 2010
A scheme to crack down on alcohol-fuelled crime, violence and disorder in Heston and Hounslow will begin next month.
Heston Park and Lampton Park, along with surrounding streets, will become one-year pilot controlled drinking zones (CDZ) in February, in an effort to reduce fear of crime and anti-social behaviour.
From 15 February, police will have the power to remove alcohol from people who they believe are causing anti-social behaviour or nuisance to members of the public within the CDZs.
Cllr Paul Fisher, lead member for community safety at the council, said: “Previous CDZs in Hounslow town centre and Feltham have helped cut the amount of anti-social behaviour and curb street drinking.
“These parks are for people who want to enjoy them without fear of intimidation or the threat of violence from an anti-social minority.
“This is not about banning people from drinking and having fun. It’s about stopping people who drink excessively and cause trouble.
“We hope this measure reassures people we are serious about tackling alcohol-fuelled problems, and will use every tool in our armoury to do it.”
The Hounslow CDZ was trialled between January 2006 and April 2007 to reduce alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour, and research has shown the zone has proved popular with local police, businesses and residents.
It also identified the town’s street drinking population and alerted the relevant agencies to those who need support to control their alcohol addiction.