A group of punks have claimed they are being “banished” from Camden Town by authorities.
A small number of punks are known to hang out at weekends on Lock Bridge in the centre of Camden and even charge £1 a photo to tourists who want to pose with them in the famously rock and roll area.
Punk Anderson Garcia Rodrigues, who is also known as Zombiepunk, claimed police officers have been “making excuses” to move the group on from the bridge.
Mr Rodrigues told the New Journal: “I’ve never had any problems up until now. I’m well loved everywhere I go, and as Zombiepunk I am often referenced when it comes to Camden Town.
“But for the last two months, police officers are making excuses to banish me from the whole neighbourhood – and not to stay on the bridge. The last two weeks, every time they see me they come and get me.
“They say I’m not allowed in all of the high street, like it’s all of Camden Town. This is my life. Before I die I have to keep the punks in Camden. I am reliving the local punk rock movement, bringing tourists back to Camden Town.”
The punk said he didn’t understand how he could look “so bad” to some and be “admired” by others.
Mr Rodrigues - who has started an online petition - said he didn’t want to cause any harm but just wanted to make history.
He goes to the area at 9am every day and stands with a sign reading “Help A Punk Get Drunk” in order to make some cash.
He said: “All the tourists who know me and like me, know how much I help the place be more attractive and smart. I want to have the support of Camden Market.”
The punk movement has been associated with Camden since 1976 when bands such as The Ramones and The Clash began playing at the Roundhouse.
It was also the year the Camden Town Market was opened.
The Met would not comment on whether Mr Rodrigues was being specifically targeted by the police.
A statement said: “A dispersal order was issued for the Camden Town and Primrose Hill areas at 18:00 hours on Friday, 15 October. It expired at 18:00 hours on Sunday, 17 October.
“It allowed police to direct a person committing or likely to commit anti-social behaviour to leave an area for 48 hours.
“The order was authorised following a recent rise in reports of rowdy behaviour, street drinking and noise complaints.”
