Camden New Journal - News: Revellers could force Tube closure

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Camden New Journal - by PAUL KEILTHY
Published: 8 November 2007

Revellers could force Tube closure

CHURCH-GOERS and revellers at a school disco are not the usual suspects when Underground workers threaten to close a Tube station.
But staff at Kentish Town are reportedly so fed-up with both that they have discussed refusing to work on Sundays.
Underground staff have called for a meeting with British Transport Police to discuss anti-social behaviour at the station, which is the transport hub for a growing nightclub scene around Kentish Town.
Saturday night’s School Disco at the Forum is followed by the so-called “Church” at the Highgate Road venue – not a religious event, but a daytime party for young people that begins at noon and ends late in the afternoon.
In London Underground incident reports seen by the New Journal, staff at the station describe episodes of assault and abuse by late-night customers.
One report from a station attendant in October describes a reveller coming in at 11.30pm, and assaulting staff.
The report blames “too much to drink and a lack of staff on the gate-line when we have regular concerts at the Forum”.
An RMT trade union safety representative said: “It is not only the question of staff being assaulted, but one of people who have been to these venues fighting and our staff getting caught in the crossfire.”
A British Transport Police spokeswoman confirmed yesterday (Wednesday) that officers were meeting London Underground staff later this month.
She said: “A dedicated team of officers works very closely with London Underground staff. We are aware of concerns about anti-social behaviour at Kentish Town Underground station.”

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