Decisive action has been taken to combat anti-social behaviour in Welling.

In March 2015, Police Constable Caroline Roberts, the newly appointed Designated Ward Officer (DWO) for the Welling area, identified a group of between 30 and 40 youths causing alcohol-fuelled problems in Bellegrove Road.

She raised the issue with police licensing officer PC Lesley Copleston, and the local authority enforcement officer, resulting in a number of compliance visits. 

Several premises were identified as not being compliant and a number of test purchases were made.

On Friday April 10, following a test purchase, a shop in Bellegrove Road was seen to be selling alcohol to a child. 

After further inspection of the premises officers found management was non-compliant with a number of license conditions, resulting in a review of the premises license. 

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On Monday, July 6, officers carried out another compliance visit at the premises and, even at this late juncture - and a day before a Bexley Council hearing at the Civic Offices in Bexleyheath - two license conditions were not being complied with. 

The premises were also seen to be selling high strength beers of up to 14 per cent alcohol by volume (ABV) for £1 per can. 

On Tuesday, July 7, members of the licensing sub-committee revoked the premises license after hearing the evidence against them. 

PC Caroline Roberts said: "This action has resulted in significantly reduced levels of ASB and an improvement in the quality of life for the residents and visitors to the area. 

"The effort to maintain and enhance this is ongoing."