Inspector Steve Murfin, far left, the Rev Stephen Coles and Cllr Andy Hull, far right

• YOUR report of the meeting on growing lawlessness in the gentrified streets around Blackstock Triangle raises many questions, (Police days-off cancelled to carry out extra patrols, June 8).

There was an arson attack, stabbings in the street and the closure order on a Gillespie Road property, with a closure order and eviction pending in Romilly Road.

This is apparently linked to begging under the bridge. The beggars are newly arrived in Islington. What is their connection to Islington?

I remember years ago when a friend lived in Queen’s Drive, which was quite rough with prostitution and kerb crawling an everyday occurrence.

I often used to escort his wife to her front door during the dark, winter months to avoid constant harassment. The problem persisted until through routes were closed and the area became much improved.

Walking around now it is hard to believe how criminal these streets once were. This is the only solution to traffic-based drug-dealing in Chatterton, Plimsoll, Prah and Monsell roads.

The roads must be made narrower with large flowerpots and build-outs to slow traffic. Since the drug deals happen in daylight the proposal to have more LED lighting is laughable. Some of these drugs are openly sold from 4×4 cars.

There is a also a stench of hypocrisy. What is happening is criminal but is being described as “anti-social”.

Many residents are Guardian readers who support decriminalisation and non-custodial sentences for criminals. This would make drug use more universal.

As in King’s Cross, the tolerance of society has thrown up numerous problems. When these crimes are being committed on their doorsteps they may become less liberal.

There are now demands for the eviction of some social tenants. But what would happen if they were owner-occupiers?

Balsall Heath, in Birmingham, used to be a crime-ridden, red-light area. Not any more. Groups of residents mounted a round-the-clock presence to deter gangs and became witnesses in criminal proceedings.

The gangs were eventually driven out. They also planted shrubs and trees to block the highway. Balsall Heath is now a desirable area with much lower traffic, less crime and ambitious families moving in.

Residents cannot rely on the underfunded, cowed and politically-correct police, who do not even issue descriptions of culprits. They are afraid of accusations of discrimination by meddlesome human rights groups such as Liberty.

Interestingly, the “concerned” residents do not seem to have demanded descriptions either. So how can the culprits be apprehended?

If the residents want to rid these streets of criminals and young gangsters then they must take action themselves. Film the cars in rotation, confront the gangs in groups. Close your hearts to liberal sentiment.

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