Powers to control anti-social behaviour could be used to stop homeless people spending the night in an east London shopping centre.
Newham council wants a Public Space Protection Order for Stratford shopping centre, where an estimated 50 homeless people routinely sleep.
Officials say the area, opposite Westfield, has seen a rise in crime and anti-social behaviour, including “violence, sexual offences, intimidation, drug use, street drinking and aggressive begging”.
A council spokesman said there were complaints that some use the centre “as an open toilet, creating a risk to public health”.
The proposed order would see the mall shut from midnight to 5am.
The council said any action would be taken with a “programme of support”.
