WALTHAMSTOW: Council and police to hold sex attack alleyway meeting (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WALTHAMSTOW: Council and police to hold sex attack alleyway meeting

12:49pm Sunday 7th February 2010 in

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COUNCIL officers will meet police tomorrow to discuss ways of making an alleyway where a woman was sexually assaulted more safe.

The authority is responsible for an alleyway behind a restaurant kitchens and shops in Cedars Avenue, Walthamstow, where a 25-year-old woman was attacked.

Residents living nearby have for months been calling for better lighting and security gates to be installed at the entrance to the dingy alleyway to prevent men standing there to drink, take drugs and intimidate passers-by.

According to Cedars Avenue resident Hasnain Syed, he was informed by the authority that the matter was “not a high priority.”

But following last Sunday's assault, council officers will meet with police officers to discuss how the area can be made more safe.

Cllr Afzal Akram, council cabinet member for community safety, said: “"The police and the council’s anti-social behaviour teams have been working closely to tackle crime around Cedars Avenue following concerns from residents and councillors.

"I have requested council officers meet with police to see what further measures we can put in place to stop the anti social behaviour occurring."

The attack, happened at about 8.10pm. The woman spotted a man lying in the alleyway and when she went to his aid he threatened her with a knife and sexually assaulted her.

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