Action urged over unruly behaviour

A DISPERSAL order is due to come into force in Biggin Hill for the second time tomorrow (Friday), but there are fears it does not go far enough to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Calls have been made to scrap the 464 bus service from New Addington after 9pm to prevent unruly youths travelling to the area to cause problems.

Bromley Council member for Biggin Hill Cllr Gordon Norrie said: "I fully support the dispersal order as a useful tool for the police to combat anti-social behaviour.

"But as far as the 464 bus service is concerned, I would be delighted if it could stop some time round about 9pm, which would help police in combating anti-social behaviour in Biggin Hill.

"Since it appears some of the perpetrators travel from New Addington using the 464, on balance it would be a reasonable trade-off."

Metropolitan Police Sgt Gill Smith pointed out youth disorder remained top of the list of concerns for members of the Biggin Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team.

She said a dispersal order was introduced in February, but expired last month.

In that time there were 75 dispersals from the Biggin Hill Ward area, 32 anti-social behaviour letters sent to parents and four follow-up home visits. But Sgt Smith also believes cutting the 464 bus needs careful consideration.

She said: "The 464 bus route is a problem, especially on Friday nights, bringing youths into the area who are the cause of much anti-social behaviour in the area."

The police, New Addington Safer Neighbourhood Team and bus operator Metrobus have discussed stopping the service after 9pm, but nothing has yet been decided.

Sgt Smith said the police would be keeping a close eye on the 464 service in the meantime.

They have also applied for an alcohol exclusion zone in Biggin Hill to help tackle anti-social behaviour and the matter is being considered by Bromley Council.