I AGREE that introducing this power (no alcohol zone) should improve the streets of Harrow, however as the powers do not extend to public places in the town centre there will still be people legally drinking in the town centre.
An example of this is the small church memorial garden on the corner of Station Road and Sheepcote Road - this central Harrow church land is frequently inhabited by a group of 'down and outs' - who by staying on the private land - escape the law.
These people get exceptionally drunk - swear and fight with each other and then stagger along the street - causing a nuisance along the way. Having approached a policeman under-taking metal searches outside Yates's public house the other night and asking him to do something about the drinking in the memorial garden - I was informed that they can do nothing as it it private land and the vicar does not complain.
This makes a mockery of the law - these people congregate in this place for hours at a time - get very drunk and then cause a nuisance elsewhere. There are probably other such spots in the town centre and if we are serious about cleaning up the town for everyone - then the people responsible for these 'private' pieces of land should do some-thing to help.
J BAKER
Via email
