After the Hyde Park Labour Action Team’s six-month campaign on behalf of residents, the Council has removed the two benches at the corner of Southwick Street and Star Street which have for many years attracted regular anti-social activity at night/early morning.

Much of the anti-social behaviour (ASB) centred around the benches occurs in the early hours of the morning, between 2am and 3am, when there are no police patrols. The ASB either involves drug dealing and prostitution, as well as loud drunken conversations in the early morning.

Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg said:

“This is a great success for residents and for the Hyde Park Labour Action Team. The relocation of these benches to somewhere more appropriate, such as Norfolk Square, makes very good sense, both in fighting ASB and improving the lives of Southwick Street residents.”