May 25, 2005

The Bentall Centre ruled out banning shoppers from wearing hoodies and baseball caps despite calls for a crackdown on antisocial behaviour.

The decision came after the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent banned hoodies from being worn while walking round its stores.

The move had the short term effect of an increase in hoodie sales, but also led to a 22 per cent increase in shoppers and praise from the Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott also claimed that the hoods were part of an “intimidating uniform”.

The Kingston shopping centre, however, chose not to crack down on the hoods; claiming that enforcing the ban could prove difficult for those who wear headscarves for religious or cultural reasons.

They also claimed that they don’t have the same problems that the Kent shopping centre has, and had the security staff to deal with any trouble.

Steve Kerwen, 32, from Chessington, who reported that he had been spat on from above by a teenager two weeks earlier, said more needed to be done.

He said: “It’s a very degrading thing to happen. There needs to be more security. Elderly people can be intimidated by people wearing hooded tops.”

Residents were split on the issue.

Jane Watts, a housewife from Kingston, said: “I think hoods should be banned because youngsters are more likely to think they can get away with crime if their faces cannot be seen.”

Lynn Saunders, a medical specialist from South Africa, disagreed, saying: “Youths wearing hoods shouldn’t be banned, because not everyone who wears a hood is going to commit a crime.”

50 YEARS AGO

May 26, 1965

A Government minister jumped into the Thames near Surbiton to gain publicity for a life jacket.
Roy Mason was welcomed by Admiral Sir Peter Caslett, before donning some red swimming trunks.
Prime Minister Harold Wilson’s majority of three looked in danger as Mr Mason jumped in, but he soon resurfaced, ready for a welcome tot of Navy rum.


25 YEARS AGO:

May 25, 1990 

Princess Alexandra attended the sparkling royal premiere of Woody Allen’s latest film at the Richmond Odeon. 
The unique event was the first time a royal premiere had ever been held outside of central London. 
A host of celebrities saw the showing of Crimes and Misdemeanours, with the money going to the Royal Star and Garter Home on Richmond Hill.


10 YEARS AGO:

May 25, 2005 

Dead fish worried residents in Worcester Park, as carp 
and goldfish found belly up began to rot in the water.
The council believed that the fish died due to weather conditions, but later decided that the fish had been poisoned by pollution.
The issue was passed on to the Environment Agency.