Concerns over safety and disruption raised with Assembly Member and Deputy Mayor during Waterloo walkabout

Concerns over safety and disruption raised with Assembly Member and Deputy Mayor during Waterloo walkabout

Residents cited the rise in protests, presence of loud motorists and disruptive football crowds as just some of the issues affecting comfort in their local area.

Speaking with residents, authorities noted that the impact is often seasonal, with summer months bringing more tourists and late-night visitors to the area. Many said these problems have persisted for years, leaving them increasingly frustrated.

The concerns were raised during a police walkabout on Monday 16^th March, where residents spoke directly with London’s Deputy Mayor for Police and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, who joined London Assembly Member Marina Ahmad alongside local officers.

Police acknowledged these concerns and reassured attendees that efforts are being made to tackle the issues but highlighted the growing number of protests as placing pressure on already stretched resources.

The walkabout brought together local police, City Hall representatives and the South Bank Business Improvement District (BID), which works to improve local high streets and respond to concerns raised by residents and businesses.

Marina Ahmad, London Assembly Labour Member for Lambeth and Southwark, said;

“I completely understand many of the concerns that residents raised and I will be working closely with the Deputy Mayor to make sure they are addressed as quickly as possible.

I know how frustrating it is to have loud noise affect your sleep, especially with the summer months approaching, and wholly appreciate how early residents want a solution.

I will keep monitoring the actions taken by local police to tackle the concerns raised and make sure residents feel as comfortable as possible.”

Kaya Comer-Schwartz, Deputy Mayor for Police and Crime, said;

“Community engagement is at the heart of how we approach policing in London. Hearing directly from residents and businesses about their experiences and concerns is incredibly important in helping shape our work.

Walkabouts like this give people the chance to speak openly with officers and decision-makers about the issues affecting them day-to-day.

By working closely with local communities, the police, and partners like the BID, we can continue building safer neighbourhoods and making sure our response reflects what Londoners want to see”

Sean Elliott, Doctor and Waterloo resident said;

“The impact we have felt by this noise and constant stream of anti-social behaviour has been immense. Groups of motorcyclists numbering up to 200 gather, many with illegally modified bikes, and maximally rev their engines throughout the night.

It has affected our sleep as well as our general wellbeing, with little being done to address this.

As well as blighting the lives of residents the noise and lack of police response creates a terrible impression of London on the thousands of visitors staying in adjacent hotels.

We are looking forward to progress being made following the meeting with Kaya and Marina as well as local police forces.”