Anti-social hideaway removed

Further steps are being taken to reduce the problem of anti-social behaviour in Stratford-upon-Avon's town centre. The water conservation garden beside the Bancroft Basin is being removed, as visitors to the town are being intimidated by a small group of people who regularly use the area to drink and then act irresponsibly.  

The conservation garden is overgrown and experts have advised it is of little landscape value. It will be removed on Monday 23 January by Stratford-on-Avon District Council working with British Waterways and Stratford-upon-Avon Town Management Partnership.  

"Next week sees further positive action being taken by the District Council to control anti-social behaviour in the town centre," said Cllr Chris Williams, Portfolio Holder for Community Services.  

"Visitors and residents who come into the town to enjoy the attractions of the Bancroft Basin and Waterside area are often greeted by a small group of people who swear, drink and act in a generally anti-social and intimidating way.  

"They tend to congregate in the cover of the water conservation garden, so we are now responding to requests from local residents and businesses to take action. The Police have told us that the garden is a haven for drinkers and we felt that we couldn't wait until the autumn when the major work to the area is expected to begin.  

"We are also raising the profile of the existing Alcohol Restriction Area as well as increasing surveillance of the area, both by visible patrols and with our CCTV coverage."  

The District Council has taken advice from experts who confirm that the present planting is overgrown and of little horticultural or landscape value. The area will be replanted on a temporary basis pending the redevelopment of the Waterfront area.  

Responsibility for local councils to tackle crime is a result of Section 5 and 6 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. The Act requires specific agencies such as the police, district and county councils, health trusts and fire services, to work within the community in tackling crime and disorder and the misuse of drugs in their local areas through Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRP). The Stratford-on-Avon CDRP is funding the work to the garden jointly with British Waterways.