Most residents know of the problems of anti-social behaviour in Mill Road. At its worst in 2005, the street and surrounding open spaces such as the cemetery and the Tenison Road green, were used by gangs of ‘street life’ people who begged aggressively and injected drugs. Thankfully, the worst of this has gone, though not entirely disappeared. There are a number of reasons why things have improved but one important part has been the use of Section 30 of the Anti- Social Behaviour Act. This legislation is used to designate an area where police have powers to disperse groups causing distress to local residents.
The order covering Mill Road and the surrounding area has been regularly extended for a number of years, but, in a surprise move, it was withdrawn from the Mill Road area in January of this year. Parkers Piece and the area round the Fitzroy Street remain covered. There was no consultation with local residents when the Police and the Council leader took this decision and the Residents Association has complained about this and is asking for restitution.
Of more concern, however, is the current move by the Council to extend the Section 30 area into the centre of Cambridge. This is in response to city centre shops complaining about street-life people disrupting their trade. We are concerned that, if Section 30 is extended in the centre, but lost in Mill Road ,then the individuals concerned will move back to Mill Road.
This is exactly what happened in 2004 when there was a previous crack down in central Cambridge. We certainly do not want to see a repeat of this happening again.
The matter is due to be discussed at the East Area Committee on Thursday 18 February. Residents will be kept informed but you should come along if you can.
