Hoardings removal will uncover gangs (From Borehamwood Times)

Hoardings removal will uncover gangs

10:35am Thursday 23rd October 2003 in News By MARTYN KENT

Advertising hoardings that have been on Shenley Road since the 1930s are to be removed because large gangs of youths gather behind them to take drugs.

The owner will be ordered by Hertsmere Borough Council to take down the two hoardings beside a convenience shop on the corner with Eldon Avenue — to the relief of nearby residents fed up with anti-social behaviour.

Dozens of young people regularly congregate, where CCTV cameras cannot pick them up, in a gap between the wall and the fencing which supports the giant billboards.

Councillor Martin Heywood, who has been approached about the issue by residents and police, said: "The whole street were absolutely up in arms about it," adding that drug-taking, urinating, and other lewd behaviour goes on to the horror of residents.

"I have been going at this hammer and tongs for two years, it has been causing so much trouble in Eldon Avenue." he said.

A previous attempt to install a security gate to limit the problem failed.

But at a meeting last week, councillors decided that the signs were an eyesore and agreed with the police that the area needed to be better exposed for public safety.

A third bill-board, attached to the side wall of the shop, is also set for removal within the next two months.

The shopkeeper, who gets money from advertisers for their use of the boards, could get compensation for the costs of removing the fencing and signs, but will not receive anything for the loss of revenue.