STREET drinkers and louts have turned Southend High Street into a “no-go” area for families and visitors, according to a frustrated resident.
David Webb demanded to know what we being done to tackle out of hand anti-social behaviour blighting the town centre as he spoke out at Southend Council’s cabinet meeting on Thursday.
Despite claims that reports of anti-social behaviour are down in the city centre, it is the second time in as many months that the council has had to defend claims of a no-go area.
After terrifying footage of machete-wielding yobs was circulated on social media following a “beach party” on July 30, the council repeatedly insisted the city was safe following fears tourists and families would avoid the city centre.
Speaking at the council meeting, Mr Webb said: “Over the summer there have been high volumes of drinking and anti-social behaviour in the High Street impacting on the shops and banks in the area and the limited powers of street rangers to tackle these issues.
“This is making the High Street a no-go area for residents and visitors.
“What strategies and powers can Southend Council give the police and street rangers to tackle this antisocial behaviour in the high street in the autumn and winter seasons?”
In response, Martin Terry, councillor responsible for community safety, denied there was a worsening problem.
He said: “Antisocial behaviour is down by almost 30 per cent compared to previous 12 months across the city.
“A key element of that reduction has been a focus on behaviours in the High Street. It is not a no go area.”
Mr Terry said a new safe space zone will be deployed at weekends, towards the beginning of autumn in the High Street.
This will be “manned by police and key partners, ensuring strong visible presence and reducing fear of crime”.
A safe space for anyone feeling vulnerable or in danger in Southend was trialled on the High Street on Friday and Saturday nights for a large chunk of last summer.
The mobile police station was positioned adjacent to HSBC and the Odeon cinema and available from 8pm to 4am.
Mr Terry added: “Southend Council’s community safety unit work closely with Essex Police and the Street Rangers, to tackle street drinking and associated anti-social behaviour, through a range of tools at their disposal.
“This includes welfare engagement, providing access to support services, extensive CCTV monitoring, and enforcement on persistent offenders, via our public space protection orders, community protection notices, and / or criminal behaviour orders.”
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