ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour has been reduced by 76% in Weston-super-Mare’s town centre since July, police have said.

Alexandra Parade in Weston’s town centre had become a “hotspot for street drinking and disorder”, with incidents of fights, public urination and drug activity recorded by police.

Officers from Avon and Somerset Police and the North Somerset Neighbourhood Policing team worked with North Somerset Council to address the problem, which they say has resulted in a 76% reduction in anti-social behaviour and a 60% reduction in crime recorded in the town centre from July to August.

In those two months, 37 people were arrested for anti-social behaviour-related offences in Weston and the surrounding areas.

The council said 33 offenders have been investigated by the  police and council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Investigation Team, and 10 “persistent offenders” identified for higher level interventions.

Officers and council officials also carried out four days of enforcement in Alexandra Parade to crackdown on anti-social behaviour issues and to ensure off licences are trading lawfully and responsibly by not selling to intoxicated people or selling single cans of alcohol where their licence does not allow.

Police say a number of businesses have voluntarily decided to stop selling single cans to help reduce the anti-social behaviour.

As well as this, a man caught urinating in public was also prosecuted after an investigation by the council’s ASB Investigation team.

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Councillor James Clayton, executive member for safety in the community at the council, said the anti-social behaviour was having a “significant impact” on the local community and businesses in the town centre.

“People told us they were feeling unsafe in the area, and businesses reported that they were losing trade,” he said.

“We worked quickly with Avon and Somerset Police to create and introduce a multi-agency plan to tackle these issues.

“Since we introduced the plan in July, we saw a 76% reduction in anti-social behaviour and a 60% reduction in crime recorded in the area from month-to-month – a fantastic result for both agencies.

“We’ll continue to work closely with partners, including the police and Weston BID, to make North Somerset a safe and thriving place for all.

“If you spot anti-social behaviour or feel unsafe somewhere in North Somerset, we’re here to help. You can report anti-social behaviour through our online form.

“You can also let us know anonymously about areas you feel unsafe in through the StreetSafe online tool.

“We’ll use what you tell us to work with the police and deliver targeted support to the areas where you need it most.”

Find out more about the StreetSafe tool here.

Acting chief inspector Matt Hawkins from Avon and Somerset Police said: “The most effective way of tackling anti-social behaviour is through a multi-agency response, working in partnership with North Somerset Council.

“Our combined efforts saw levels of crime and anti-social behaviour drop in the area around Alexandra Parade.

“We’ll be working hard to maintain this momentum to ensure North Somerset continues to be a safe place for everyone.

“If you experience anti-social behaviour, or there are areas in your community where you feel unsafe, please report it via our online form.

“Your reports will help us identify and respond to ongoing issues in a quick and co-ordinated way.”

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