Hi Melissa,

The police have advised me to dial 999 if I see this man or anyone else acting in a threatening way - and from what you've described this certainly sounds threatening. If you call 999 the police will be there within 12 minutes to deal with them. I understand it's a hassle you shouldn't have to deal with, but if the police attend we can get this behaviour stamped out.

On the subject of betting shops not being accountable, of course they're not responsible for an individual's mental health issues, but we all know that they attract many others who cause problems in Forest Hill. Paddy Power is a particular problem because it's set back from the road with public benches outside for the street drinkers to hang around at, going in for a bet and then back out for a drink on the street. I've seen Paddy Power staff outside chatting and laughing with the drinkers/customers, so they clearly don't care that they're the source of many of the problems.

Does anyone know if Paddy Power is part of the local traders' association?