Islington Tribune - by ROISIN GADELRAB
Published: 31 October 2008
Petition on prostitutes sparks row
A ROW has broken out over how to tackle increased prostitution in the York Way estate.
Labour presented a petition to the council bearing more than 100 names calling for a dispersal zone, but the Lib Dems and the police have decided to collect more evidence before deciding if this is necessary.
Brenda Kyriachou, chairwoman of the York Way estate, said: “We’ve got prostitutes walking up and down Market Road at all times of the day and night. It’s getting worse – something needs to be done now.”
Labour councillor Paul Smith, said: “I’m really disgusted. We presented a petition signed by over 100 people from the York Way estate saying they wanted a dispersal zone.
“They’re extremely anxious about it.
Crime chief councillor Terry Stacy said: “We’re not saying a dispersal zone is ruled out. People have to understand the council doesn’t just introduce a dispersal zone – the police have to agree.
“The Safer Neighbourds team said they wouldn’t be opposed to it but at the moment they don’t see the need because of the data [available to them].”
He added: “Every dispersal zone has an element of displacement. Banning people just pushes them across the border.”
Comments