More police action is needed to curb yob behaviour by night-time revellers in Tower Hamlets that’s the stark message to City Hall’s new ‘night czar’ Amy Lamé and to Tower Hamlets Mayor John Biggs.
A packed public meeting at St Hilda’s community centre was part of a study of Brick Lane and Spitalfields to see how the night economy affects families in the area.
London Assembly’s Unmesh Desai, who represents east London at City Hall, was on a fact-finding tour of Brick Lane last night with members of the newly-formed Spitalfields Neighbourhood Forum.
“Night-time behaviour needs to be controlled and policed,” he told the East London Advertiser on the tour.
“Clearly the local authority and the police cannot cope with a growing night-time scene.
“The Night Levy has not really been used that well - only nine local authorities have applied to use it. We’ve got to look at more ways to fund it from businesses.”
London’s night economy brings in £66million but also comes with its ‘down side’, critics point out.
“We can’t have vomiting on doorsteps,” Unmesh added. “It’s not acceptable to have urinating or throwing up on your doorstep or having to put up with noise when you’re trying to sleep.
“We are looking to see how the ‘night czar’ tackles anti-social behaviour. You can rest assured we shall be looking over her shoulder.”
Residents spoke of the area as “a great place to live” with its “buzziness, street art, clubs and culture”. But there was a need to curb bad behaviour in the street.
Cllr John Pierce, who organised last week’s meeting at St Hilda’s in Shoreditch, asked for suggestions to improve how Tower Hamlets Council controlled the nightlife.
Revellers should be allowed to stay in pubs after last orders, he was told, so crowds on the streets at closing time would be better managed.
Mayor Biggs agreed that it was vital to find balance in the night-time economy with its employment and culture so that it “shouldn’t impact negatively” on families. He wants the council to issue more penalty notices for anti-social behaviour.
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