Hammersmith Council Cracks Down on Antisocial Behavior

0:00On March 20, Hammersmith and Fullham Council in West London launched a new public space's protection order this past February to curb anti-social behavior. The measure targets professional begging, groups of two or more causing trouble and face coverings used to hide identities. It's aimed at hot spots like Shepherd's Bush Green, where issues have been building up. The order lets police and council officers hand out fixed penalty notices of 100 pounds, dropping the 60 pounds if paid within 10 days. Exemptions apply for religious, cultural, health reasons or requirements like during COVID. Council leaders say it will cut down on harassment, alarm, and distress in public areas. Local residents and business owners along Uxbridge Road mostly cheer the crack down. They describe beggars blocking busy pavements, following customers into shops, and even scaring people away from buying. Young shop worker called more council action amazing, while others push for stronger street enforcement to keep things moving smoothly.

1:01A council consultation last year drew strong backing from 644 respondents. Nearly 88% supported bands on aggressive or persistent begging, and over 87% like targeting professional beggars. All proposals got more than 80% approval overall. Younger people in a smaller survey of 23 were cooler on it, with just 30% favoring the professional begging ban. Still, as enforcement ramps up, the council expects safer streets and fewer disruptions for everyone in the borough.