Campaign starts to tackle begging in Archway

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 towww.islington.gov.uk/reportasb

Calls will get a response as soon as possible, certainly within 24 hours. Officers can make visits between 4pm and 2am Sunday to Thursday, and 5pm to 4am Friday and Saturday.

During office hours, council tenants and leaseholders should report ASB to the ASB team at their Area Housing Office, on the phone or in person, and Housing Association tenants should report ASB to their landlord.

Out of office hours, council tenants and leaseholders and Housing Association tenants should call 202 7527 7272.