Campaign to tackle begging in Islington area

A new campaign is tackling begging in Archway by offering help and support and cracking down on aggressive behaviour towards passers-by.

Residents, local workers and other have reported increased levels of begging around Archway tube station, including some

intimidation.

Islington Council is working with police, the

Archway Town Centre Management Team and outreach partners including Pilion

Trust.

People begging in the area are being offered advice

and support to get them away from the streets, and local people are being

encouraged to report aggressive incidents.

Posters around the tube station also explain about

the help and support available from the council and partners, and discourage

people from giving money.

Cllr Paul Convery, Islington Council's executive

member for community safety, said: "We're on the side of residents, and are

committed to an Islington with less anti-social behaviour.

"We're taking action in Archway after local concerns

about the levels of begging around the Tube Station.

"Our teams will be offering help and support to

beggars - and are working with police to tackle any aggressive behaviour, which

is unacceptable.

"If we get complaints about anti-social behaviour,

we will take action."

People who live, work or visit Archway are being

encouraged to report any anti-social behaviour around begging by calling 101,

the police non-emergency number.

Chief Inspector Richard Padwell said: "This is a

positive example of partners working together to tackle anti-social behaviour

and improve the quality of life for local people and visitors."

Safer Neighbourhood Inspector Clare Messer said:

"The local Safer Neighbourhoods team are working in partnership on begging in

the Archway area.

"Support services and joint patrols are in place.

Police will take action against aggressive begging, anti-social behaviour will

not be tolerated."

To report incidents of anti-social behaviour related

to begging, residents can call 101, the police non-emergency number.

Alternatively, to report anti-social behaviour to

the Islington ASB team call or 0202 7527 7272 or go to www.islington.gov.uk/reportasb