Police could step in to disband Amy's paparazzi army

THERE could be light at the end of the tunnel for the poor residents who have the misfortune of living next door to Amy Winehouse, the Ham&High has learnt. Ever since the troubled singer moved into Prowse Place, Camden Town, six months ago, her neighbours

THERE could be light at the end of the tunnel for the poor residents who have the misfortune of living next door to Amy Winehouse, the Ham&High has learnt.

Ever since the troubled singer moved into Prowse Place, Camden Town, six months ago, her neighbours' lives have been plagued by the hoards of paparazzi who seem to have moved in with her.

They have been kept awake by the incessant noise of car engines running and the flash of camera bulbs going off. They have been forced to clear up litter strewn across their street and have had to bear witness to desperate photographers relieving themselves in nearby bushes.

This week the police confirmed to the Ham&High they could employ their much heralded dispersal powers to break up the paparazzi pack which is causing so much alarm and distress. And now neighbours want to see officers follow through on their promises and use the powers, normally reserved for naughty youths, on the photographers.

"If it gets to the stage like it was two weeks ago when there were around 40 of them, then I would like to see the police use these powers," said Ms Winehouse's neighbour John Green. "We didn't move to this street to live outside a pub but that is exactly what it is like at times."

One person who has not been behaving badly, however, is an 18-year-old German student who has waited patiently outside Amy's house for the last three weeks.

The girl, who gave her name as Nicole P, is desperately hoping to have her picture taken with Amy and has given up her summer holidays to make it happen.

"Some people like sport and they are really into their team. I am like that with Amy. My parents think I am crazy," she said.