Is enforcement just a money-spinner?

There was rightly anger at a Kingdom street officer who essentially over-stepped the mark when he told youngsters protesting about climate change that their protest was too loud and ‘anti-social behaviour’. The right to protest freely is enshrined in our democracy and the actions of the Kingdom enforcer have rightly drawn an angry response. But the street warden is only the mouthpiece of his employers. Kingdom’s frankly daft response to the incident – that their operative didn’t intend to prosecute because his camera wasn’t turned on – speaks volumes about that company’s attitude. If Kingdom employs people to tackle issues in the city centre on behalf of the city council it should be very clear on what anti-social behaviour is. Well-intentioned youngsters exercising their democratic right is not it. There is no doubt that the problem of speeding cyclists in Bridge Street needed tackling and the council bringing in Kingdom has had some impact. Kingdom should apologise for the incident and promise that there will be training for the individual involved and no repeat. So far no such apology is forthcoming. No sorry if they upset the children, no apology for any misunderstanding... we could be forgiven for thinking that Kingdom was really not that bothered about the error. Perhaps the enforcement patrols really are more about making money for Kingdom and the council than tackling issues. If the city council is serious about not only tackling the problem of speeding cyclists and litter in the city but also maintaining a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere then it needs to review the Kingdom contract.