Campaigners are calling for extra powers to stop anti-social behaviour in parks after the situation reached “breaking point”.

Waltham Forest councillors Selina Seesunkur and Jemma Hemsted last year called for a Public Space Protection Order for the green spaces at The Mount, Albert Crescent and Memorial Park, saying street drinking and anti-social behaviour had become commonplace.

The order would mean enforcement officers – volunteers who work alongside the police and the council to patrol public areas – could issue on-the-spot fines of up to £400.

The Labour-run council rejected this saying there was not enough evidence of the need for an order.

But after a street-cleaner was recently attacked while on duty in South Chingford, the two councillors are urging the public to sign a petition to strengthen a future application.

Cllr Hemsted (Con, Valley) said: “The situation is at breaking point and is totally unacceptable and will not be allowed to continue. The Mount should be a place for all residents to enjoy and not for a small minority to ruin.

“We really hope that all residents will get behind our campaign so that we might all have a much more peaceful summer.”

Public space protection orders are already in place in the neighbouring borough of Redbridge and the councillors are anxious for more powers to curb anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Seesunkur (Con, Larkswood) added: “I am very concerned residents do not feel safe in their local area. I received a report from a resident via Facebook that our well-loved street cleaner had been attacked whilst on duty in South Chingford.

“This cannot go on. We have put so much work into South Chingford, I’m disappointed we need to do this, if the local authority is serious about reducing anti-social behaviour in our town centres, you’d think they’d be implementing these without residents having to sign petitions.”

For more information and to sign the petition click here.