Independent Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard is raising community concerns regarding anti-social behaviour which occur quite regularly at the 24-hour McDonalds restaurant in Sleat Road, Applecross.

“The late night operating hours of the 24-hour establishment appears to attract many alcohol and drug intoxicated people who behave in an unruly manner,” said Dr Woollard.

“Constituents have reported witnessing incidents of violence and crime, including brawls and harassment of patrons of other dining establishments.

“I have been informed the anti-social behaviour occurs usually past 10 pm, and becomes more unbearable on the weekends and where there are concerts in town.

“People who live, work and patronise the other businesses in the area have said they do not welcome such anti-social behaviour, and that they actually fear for their safety.”

Dr Woollard said owners of other businesses have to contend with vandalism and rubbish strewn all over. Dr Woollard said she has written to the Chief Executive Officer of McDonald’s Australia, to the franchisee of the Applecross store and to the Chief Executive Officer of the City of Melville regarding the problems.

“The franchisee has informed me that several initiatives have been undertaken to combat anti-social behaviour in the area,” said Dr Woollard. “A CCTV has been installed, restraining orders have been taken out against some people who have been particularly disruptive and the franchisee is now hoping additional lighting may deter antisocial behaviour.

“I have provided the franchisee with contact numbers for the local police and the City of Melville Rangers which is to be made readily available to staff to contact if there is trouble.

“I encourage the community who notice similar anti-social behaviour near the 24-hour McDonalds outlet, or anywhere else, to:

Notify the Police on 131 444 regarding the disruptive behaviour and request that the area be targeted for police presence;

Contact the City of Melville Rangers on 9364 0628 during office hours or 0418 943 219 after office hours to request their presence;

or Write to the City of Melville to possible solutions regarding the graffiti and rubbish accumulation in the area.”