POLICE have made arrests as they crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Weston-super-Mare after an area of the town centre became a hotspot for disorder and drug activities.

In July, Alexandra Parade in Weston-super-Mare’s town centre became a hotspot for street drinking and associated disorder, including fights, public urination, and drugs activity, North Somerset Council said.

The council and police worked together to tackle these issues, leading to a 76 per cent reduction in anti-social behaviour and a 60 per cent reduction in crime recorded by police in the area from July to August.

Working together, they have delivered the following:

• More than 33 offenders have been investigated by the police and council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Investigation Team, and 10 persistent offenders were identified for higher level interventions

• In July and August, Avon and Somerset Police arrested 37 individuals for ASB-related offences in Weston-super-Mare and surrounding areas

• The council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Investigation team successfully prosecuted a man for breaching the Public Space Protection Order in Alexandra Parade last month (Read more here: Man prosecuted for anti-social behaviour in Weston-super-Mare)

• CCTV has been used extensively to help identify offenders and gather intelligence whilst deterring crime

• Police officers, and police and council community response officers, have been using tools and powers including Dispersal Notices, Community Protection Warnings and Notices, and Public Space Protection Orders

• The council and police carried out four days of action in the area, carrying out enforcement and community engagement activities using the mobile police station

• Police have been working with the council’s Licensing Team to ensure licensed premises such as off-licenses are trading lawfully and responsibly – for example, not selling to intoxicated people or selling single cans of alcohol where their licence does not allow. A number of licensed premises have also voluntarily stopped selling single cans

• Street wardens from the Weston Business Improvement District (BID) have been carrying out active patrols to help deter anti-social behaviour

• Meetings have been held with businesses and stakeholders so they can voice their concerns and work with the police and the council to tackle the issues.

Councillor James Clayton, North Somerset Council’s executive member for safety in the community, said: “The anti-social behaviour and disorder at Alexandra Parade was having a significant impact on businesses and the local community in Weston’s town centre.

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

“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 per cent reduction in anti-social behaviour and a 60 per cent 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 places 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: www.saferstrongerns.co.uk/reportasb

“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 at: https://saferstrongerns.co.uk/information-advice/community-schemes-watches/streetsafe.”

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.”