Tags:
Bendigo
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violence
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streets
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alcohol
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assault
FOOLISH and idiotic is how prominent Bendigonian Jock Clark describes those ignoring Bendigo’s late-night violence problem.
The local restaurateur and Bendigo Traders’ Association spokesman called for a stronger police presence on the beat to tackle anti-social behaviour including violent assaults on the streets.
“We need people to admit we need more police,” he said.
“We need the decision-makers to stop playing politics with the lives of our kids.
“I don’t want to have to wait until another kid’s head hits the ground before we take action.”
Mr Clark, whose Bull Street restaurant is in the entertainment precinct, said forums and task forces would not solve the problem.
He called for affirmative action by proposing a three-step plan to fix Bendigo’s late night violence problem, including an increase in police numbers, a 3am closure for all licensed venues and a stronger judicial system aimed at providing accountability to offenders.
“Anybody who says we don’t need more operational police on Bendigo streets is a fool and an idiot,” Mr Clark said.
“Assaults are a problem, nobody ever died from urine or vomit left behind.
“Where will they (the new operational unit announced this week) be when there is a fight or violent behaviour, not 10 minutes away, but in Melbourne, they will only be available to take the finger prints after the damage is done.”
La Piazza wine bar and restaurant owner Carlo Barri echoed Mr Clark’s concerns.
Mr Barri’s new restaurant is in Park Road, close to three late-night entertainment venues, which has led to a series of problems.
“The problems we have are mainly the vomit left behind and the urination in the doorway,” he said.
“The taxi rank here is causing a few problems, there are no amenities. You cannot blame our young kids if there is nothing provided.”
Mr Barri said the street was littered with glass every weekend, making it dangerous.
“There is glass every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. I spend about seven hours a week cleaning the front of the restaurant up which is frustrating,” he said.
“Also, High Street is so dangerous, the kids just run across there, I can see someone getting killed on that road. I am surprised no one has been killed yet.”
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