Merton Council is set to tackle anti-social behaviour in Mitcham following a consultation with residents in the summer.

The Public Space Protection Order will allow the council and police to prevent a person from drinking if they are causing, or likely to cause, anti-social behaviour.

The order is due to come into force on October 21 and will cover; Cricket Green, Figges Marsh, Graveney, Lavender Fields and Ravensbury wards. 

The move to introduce localised action follows the council’s review of evidence on-street drinking and associated anti-social behaviour.

Council authorities say, "Persistent problems from people drinking alcohol in public places in Mitcham were found to be having a detrimental impact on the quality of life for people who live and work in the area."

Your Local Guardian:

Once introduced:

-Anyone who does not comply with the request to stop drinking will be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £100 which must be paid within 14 days, no early discount fee will apply.

-Should the fine not be paid, and the matter pursued to court individuals could be fined up to £500.

-Anyone failing to provide a name or address, or giving false, or inaccurate, name or address will also be prosecuted and could face a fine of £1,000.

In response to the consultation, the council will be investigating whether other areas within Merton also need a drinking ban.

Councillor Edith Macauley, MBE the Cabinet Member for Voluntary Sector Partnerships and Community Safety, said: “The response from residents to the consultation and the information we gathered from the police and our other partners clearly supported the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order in Mitcham.

Merton is one of the safest boroughs in London however, we are determined to use all our powers to clamp down on alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour, as it can impact heavily on the quality of people’s lives.

"We will be working closely with our partners and our commissioned substance misuse services to enforce breaches.

"And to seek ways residents, for whom alcohol consumption has become a challenge, get the help and support they need.”

“We will continue to monitor anti-social behaviour linked to street drinking and consult with the community to see if there is sufficient evidence to extend the PSPO or introduce new ones in other areas.”