Better Bankside Wardens carry out over 300 visits to businesses in the BID each month and street population matters continue to be a subject that is frequently raised. The Wardens are pro-active in their approach to the street population, varying their patrolling routes and frequently conducting early morning joint patrols with the Police Night Time Economy Team.

The Better Bankside Wardens will always interact with any person sleeping, begging or drinking on the streets and will attempt to help that individual get access to assistance and support from local agencies. There are however times when more assertive action is necessary particularly with those who refuse assistance and, despite warnings, continue to cause alarm and distress.

Such actions may include the use of an Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) which will effectively ban an individual from re-entering a defined area for a period of time (often 2-3 years). By linking in with these support agencies and providing them with intelligence reports the wardens will contribute to the process. In December Southwark Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Unit obtained an ASBO on one individual who had racially abused a member of the warden team. This ASBO prevents this particular male from entering the area around Borough High Street and the Borough Market and from publicly consuming alcohol or begging in Southwark.

By contrast also in December one other individual has been given assistance to reconnect with his home town and another given support and appropriate care to help deal with his health needs.