Police bid to close Upper Brockley Road businesses successful

Yesterday, Lewisham Police and Lewisham Council were successful in their application toBromley Magistrates Court to close three premises on Upper Brockley Road. Supercuts, the Honey Pot and Gold Crest will remain closed for three months.

The result prompted protests on Upper Brockley Road yesterday, with police attending the scene.

A statement from Lewisham Police said:

Following numerous allegations of disorder, nuisance and anti social behaviour to surrounding neighbours and members of the public Using closure powers under part 1A, Section 11A of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 Brockley Safer Neighbourhoods Team and Lewisham Borough Crime Reduction Service applied to have Supercuts, the Honey Pot and Gold Crest closed after numerous repeated incidents recorded including, drug taking, disorder and anti social behaviour.

The activities in relation to these premises go back many years and after several attempts to tackle the problem through open dialogue, visits and intelligence led operations the police and the council had to take a much more robust approach and put long term measures in place in order to tackle the problems associated with the three premises.

Chief Superintendent Jeremy Burton, Borough Commander Lewisham:

"These premises were a magnet for anti-social behaviour and drug taking. Closing them for three months will bring some much needed peace and quiet to the residents of Brockley and the wider communities of Lewisham. We have made use of the legislation available to us in the best possible way to ensure that such behaviour is not ignored and is dealt with effectively." As a result of the three month closure orders being granted, it means it is an offence for anyone to enter the premises without permission. Those that do will face arrest and can be prosecuted."