Cabinet minister Steve Reed, who is also MP for Streatham and Croydon North, took part in a “Day of Action” on March 13, to highlight the work being done to address issues including fly-tipping, crime and nuisance behaviour around betting shops in the area.
He was joined by Lambeth Council leader, Claire Holland, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Cllr Mahamed Hashi, Deputy Leader (Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air), Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, Sgt Nick Archer, of the Metropolitan Police Service, and David Harvey and Linda James-Toney, of the Streatham Business Improvement District (BID).
The action day was organised following a meeting between Mr Reed MP, Cllr Holland and council Chief Executive Ian Davis, in December, when ASB – including crime and drug use – was identified as a key concern for Streatham residents.
The council, police and partners have taken several steps to address concerns in Streatham over recent months – including strengthening the neighbourhood policing presence, targeted enforcement activity, and expanded outreach working to engage vulnerable individuals linked to street-based substance misuse.
On Thursday 12 March, the council’s Licensing Committee revoked the licence of the Macan Lounge, in Streatham Hill, following a review by the licensing team around breaches of conditions including congregation on the street while drinking. The committee was told that there had been “a sustained history of complaints received in relation to the operation of the premises”.
Friday’s coordinated event complemented wider work being done across Lambeth to tackle ASB and improve the safety and cleanliness of streets. It began at a betting shop on Streatham Hill, where the party discussed concerns over nuisance behaviour, and also witnessed the problems caused by fly-tipping.
Public protection officers then led a walkabout through the area, giving an overview of the work underway to tackle ASB, as well as street-cleaning operations.
Throughout the visit, officers carried out a series of activities to back up the priorities of the Action Day – including:
- On-street outreach to vulnerable individuals to provide support and signpost rough sleepers to services.
- Joint patrols to tackle issues such as Unlicensed Street Trading (UST), illegal waste transfer, and general ASB.
- Joint patrols and test purchases to tackle issues such as street drinking and drug-taking.
Cllr Holland said: “We came to Streatham today because we want to show residents that the council, police and our local partners are working together to tackle anti-social behaviour in Streatham.
“We’ve heard the concerns residents have raised and that’s why we’re taking action — through enforcement, outreach and partnership work with local businesses and the community. This day of action demonstrates the partnership work of council enforcement teams, the police, public health services and the Streatham BID to address these issues and support vulnerable people where help is needed.”
Steve Reed MP said:
“Residents in Streatham have shared concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour in the area, much of it linked to drug dealing and nuisance behaviour around betting shops.”
“It’s clear the council and police are determined to crack down on these problems, and I’m pleased the council is supporting the police to look at new enforcement powers they can keep repeat offenders out of the area.”
“We’ve also heard concerns about fly-tipping and dumped rubbish on local streets. When areas are left untidy it can attract further anti-social behaviour, so it was good to see council teams acting to clear waste and keep the area clean.”
“I will continue working closely with the council, police, businesses and residents to make Streatham safer and ensure it remains a great place to live and socialise.”
