Following growing frustration from residents about crime and anti-social behaviour on and around the Loraine Estate, Islington Council and the Metropolitan Police have begun coordinated action to improve safety and address the concerns raised by the community.
Residents reported repeated incidents of suspected drug dealing and drug use in communal areas, building entrances and around Biddestone Park. Other concerns included people gathering in recessed entrances, insecure or damaged communal doors, fly-tipping, poor visibility caused by overgrown planting, and bicycles or mopeds being ridden through the park. These issues affected residents’ confidence and left some people feeling uncomfortable using communal spaces.
Residents’ voices are being heard
In response to the complaints, the Council arranged an Environmental Visual Audit of the estate with residents and relevant services. The audit examined locations where crime and anti-social behaviour had been reported and identified physical improvements that could help deter future incidents.
The recommendations include:
- Improved CCTV coverage at identified hotspots.
- Reviewing communal doors, entry systems and residents’ access fobs.
- Securing vulnerable areas around bin chambers and building entrances.
- Considering controlled access between Biddestone Park and the estate.
- Cutting back overgrown vegetation to improve visibility.
- Exploring improvements and a positive redesign of Biddestone Park.
- Increasing targeted patrols and outreach support.
- Providing additional bike and outdoor storage to discourage fly-tipping.
Some recommendations are short-term actions, while others will require funding, feasibility assessments and consultation with residents.
Council and police action
Positive action has already started. This includes increased Safer Neighbourhood Police patrols, Parkguard patrols, partnership work with housing teams, visits from drug, alcohol and health outreach services, and the installation of temporary CCTV outside Cranworth House following repeated reports from the area.
The Metropolitan Police have also made reducing drug-related anti-social behaviour around Loraine Estate, Biddestone Park, Pollard Close and Penn Road a local policing priority. Planned action includes regular high-visibility patrols and the use of appropriate preventative and enforcement measures.
We thank all Islington Council teams, the Metropolitan Police, Parkguard, outreach services and residents who have contributed to this work. This progress shows that when residents report concerns and work collectively with local services, positive action can follow.
Have your say and follow progress
Islington Council has created a dedicated Loraine Estate Safer Spaces webpage where residents can read updates, provide feedback and help shape future safety improvements:
https://www.letstalk.islington.gov.uk/loraine-estate-safer-spaces?tool=news_feed
Residents are encouraged to continue reporting incidents, even when similar issues have previously been reported. Every report helps the Council and police identify patterns, collect evidence and direct resources to the areas most affected. Drug dealing and drug use should be reported to the police by calling 101, reporting online or calling 999 in an emergency. Other anti-social behaviour can be reported to Islington Council.
Join Met Engage
Residents can also join Met Engage – Holloway Safer Neighbourhoods Team to receive local policing updates, learn about community priorities and share the issues that matter most to them:
By reporting concerns, providing constructive feedback and joining local engagement channels, residents can continue helping to make Loraine Estate safer, cleaner and more welcoming for everyone.