More police at gay hotspot
AN INCREASED police presence and volunteers providing advice on Hampstead Heath has been welcomed by the gay community.
This year much more work has been done at the cruising ground behind Jack Straw's Castle, including crime prevention advice and the picking up of litter.
Camden's LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Forum is now taking a lead on the prevention of homophobic crime and hopes to send outreach groups to the Heath at least one night a week.
The move has been met with praise from the gay community, according to LGBT leaders.
"We have given this publicity in gay magazines and on cruising websites. People posting messages on these sites have certainly been very positive," LGBT caseworker Nick Maxwell told a regular meeting of local police and the Hampstead Heath Constabulary on Tuesday.
"Victims of robberies on the Heath have also been writing blogs saying the involvement of the forum and police has been very good."
Heath Cruiser leaflets, setting out people's rights and responsibilities, have also been produced in an attempt to limit homophobic crime and keep the area free of sexual litter such as condoms, lubricants and tissue paper.
In early September volunteers collected 20 bags of litter in one afternoon. Similar events are being planned on a regular basis.
"We are keen to carry on these types of activities, not just once a year but up to four times a year," said Heath Constabulary manager Richard Gentry. "Hopefully in the future, we will not be collecting 20 bags of rubbish
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