Tough action is being taken to stop harassment and antisocial behaviour by drunk people hanging about in Basingstoke during the day and night.

Reports of people drinking in the street, shouting and being abusive have led to the police and the council working together to get antisocial behaviour orders for those involved. The council and police acted on concerns raised by businesses, particularly in the Top of the Town, who said that people were being put off coming to the area.

As a first step in responding to the issue the police had launched a crackdown on alcohol related offences in the town, making arrests for drunk and disorderly behaviour and prosecutions for consuming alcohol in restricted locations. All identified street drinkers were spoken to by police and Safer North Hampshire community safety officers about the impact of their behaviour and support and help was offered where needed.

Now identified persistent offenders have been issued with the antisocial behaviour orders by the court after hearing evidence put forward by the council and police.

The council’s Deputy Leader Cllr Ranil Jayawardena said: “Our residents’ survey has proven that people feel safe in our borough. This is thanks to close working with the police, which has seen crime and antisocial behaviour fall to a record low. But there’s more to do. People have a right to feel safe and free from harassment. We will not tolerate this sort of behaviour and this proves we will take action to deal with it.”

Hampshire Constabulary’s Basingstoke and Deane District Commander Chief Inspector Simon Dodds said: “The community deserves a town centre to be proud of but a few in the minority were set upon spoiling that for the rest of us. We have taken a tough line in dealing with this problem, sending out a clear message to those responsible that such behaviour is not acceptable.”

Retailers and members of the public are being urged to continue to report any antisocial behaviour by calling 101 or 999 for incidents requiring an urgent response.

Basingstoke’s town centre has been recognised once again for providing a safe and enjoyable night out by getting Purple Flag status for a second year in a row – one of only 46 towns and cities across the UK to get this recognition.