Street Surveys

Wishing to engage with the "silent majority" of residents in and around the Dispersal Zone, I set-up a table and chairs and plenty of informative literature in various locations around the zone. Some locations were more effective than others in terms of footfall but wherever we set-up we had plenty of interest and genuine support for what I was doing. I collected the views of almost 50 locals on the Dispersal Zone, many still unaware of it's existence and many good conversations were had on anti-social behaviour, the area and what steps could be taken to make the place a better place to live and rid the streets of feelings of alarm, intimidation and harassment.

The overwhelming majority of locals felt that the zone should only cover Tesco express (more on this later) and Crystal Palace station if it is to continue. About a third of residents wanted the zone to stop either because they felt it had been ineffective or because they were alarmed at the implications for civil liberties. Everyone felt that they should have been consulted at the begining of the order and certainly at the end of the 6 months to help measure the effectiveness and inform any future Dispersal Order. Participants were pleased I was asking for their views and were keen that their (anonymous) opinions were collected and sent to the relevant authories.

I got my sister to come and help me for a bit of support and I'm thankful we didn't get dispersed, the only poor things to be dispersed were the pidgeons.
To view a short clip of me setting up (after we'd dispersed the pidgeons!!!) click here

Getting a bit too creative in the Dispersal Zone

The following is not strictly part of my project but i'm posting here as an interesting aside as it does provide an insight into the environment of the DZ here in SE19. Last week I had an idea to make a short film about a CCTV camera. I thought i'd nip up the zone and get some footage of the large CCTV camera - a cause of much speculation among local residents.

I set-up outside a closed shop next to Tesco Express; tight against the wall so as not to trip anyone over with my tri-pod. I'd been filming for about 30 seconds when this incident occurred.

Note: I wasn't filming Tesco express but as the manager walked away after our exchange I couldn't help filming his slow walk back to the shop and in doing so I did catch on film the facias of Tesco - apologies for any offence to Tesco as prior permission was not sort.

See my filming experience here.

Intercom Poll

To see a short exert from the poll click here

13 flats took part in my Intercom Poll to find out residents views at the end of the 1st 6 months of the Dispersal Zone. (DZs are set for a maximum period of 6 months - at the end of that time they can be renewed - without consultation). The majority of residents were in favour of the Zone continuing but with changes to the implementation such as making it effective only at certain times and making sure it is beter enforced. Residents felt the DZ had not been enforced for the last few months and wanted to see more of the PCSOs.