PCC vows to tackle 'grim' town's anti-social behaviour

PCC Philip Wilkinson said that a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was the next step in tackling the problem

Parts of a town centre have been described as "grim" by the local police and crime commissioner who has vowed to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Local residents, businesses and councillors put their crime concerns to PCC Philip Wilkinson during a specially arranged event in Trowbridge on Thursday.

Restaurant owner Michelle Witter said it was about time issues in the town were being addressed, adding: "In the last seven months (it) has been really, really bad."

Mr Wilkinson said: "We've walked through spaces today which are grim. The first thing we need to do here is put in place a PSPO (Public Spaces Protection Order)."

He said this would need to be led by the council, but added Wiltshire Police would "provide all the support" to address anti-social behaviour in those areas.

Restaurant proprietor Michelle Witter said that problems in Trowbridge have got worse in the last year

The comments followed a walkabout that started in Fore Street and made its way through the Shires shopping centre and Trowbridge Park.

The event was part of a wider programme of engagement aimed at tackling community safety concerns.

Ms Witter said there have been "multiple incidents" recently, including "fights, people being arrested on a daily basis, smoking weed, drinking and screaming and shouting".

"It's quite shocking to know that it is taking place in such a small community," she added.

Local residents, businesses and councillors put their concerns to PCC Philip Wilkinson and local officers

Issues surrounding anti-social behaviour and street drinking were discussed, with specialist drug and alcohol support charities also present at the event.

Insp Ho Tsang, from the town's neighbourhood policing team, said that community support was vital in improving the situation.

"(Crime) is not just a policing matter, it's a community matter," he said.

"There are partners out there, which we've got to listen to and work together to develop a long term solution."

He acknowledged that in an "ideal world" there would be a larger number of officers regularly patrolling the town, but added that the force "needs to balance our resources with the wider demand".