Plans to rid Cricklewood streets of 'intimidating' drunks (From Times Series)

Plans to rid Cricklewood streets of 'intimidating' drunks

4:50pm Monday 15th March 2010 in

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PLANS for a booze ban in streets around Cricklewood are being considered by the community.

Barnet Council chiefs are seeking feedback on the proposals, which would see street-drinking outlawed in the area bordered by Cricklewood Broadway, The Vale, Hendon Way and down to the boarder with Camden at the University College School sports ground.

The move follows calls by Liberal Democrat councillors last year to bring in a ban because of a rise in the number of drunks in the area.

Monroe Palmer, ward Councillor for Childs Hill, in July requested the extension of existing alcohol-free zones to cover Golders Green and Cricklewood town centres.

He later met with then cabinet member for community engagement and community safety, Councillor Matthew Offord, to discuss measures that could help reduce the levels of street-drinking.

A public notice has now been issued by the council asking for responses to the formal plans to ban alcohol consumption in a public place.

The order would make it illegal to drink in a designated no-alcohol zone and could lead to the arrest and prosecution for anyone found with alcohol in the area.

It would not effect off-licences, pubs or clubs in the zone, but residents are hopeful it would cut back on the number of street drinkers.

Jessica Howey, who lives in The Railway Cottages, said the issue is becoming an “increasing problem”.

She said: “There is a street drinking ban in Brent and Camden, and that has pushed the drinkers across the road into Barnet.

“We are fed up with all the litter and dirt, it is bringing Cricklewood down.

“People find it very intimidating and during the day we don't want to see people drinking on the street and using abusive language. It is not pleasant. We feel it will be better for everybody if the plans go through.”

Responses have to be with the council by this Wednesday. Anyone wanting to express their opinions on the plans should email paul.lamb@barnet.gov.uk.

A report on the matter is due to be presented to Cabinet on April 12.