Since April we have received 51 reports of anti-social behaviour in the area, compared with 6 during the same period in 2023. This includes disorders, fighting and drug and alcohol consumption, many of which occur in a paved area which contains four benches.
On Friday (July 12) we were joined by Trowbridge Town Council, neighbourhood services and the Chamber of Commerce to patrol the area and remove the benches.
NPT Sergeant Charly Chilton said: “Whilst this is not a permanent solution, this will allow our neighbourhood policing team to work with Trowbridge Town Council, Wiltshire Council and local partner agencies and businesses to provide a long-term resolution, such as a revamped Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for example, to ensure that Wicker Hill and Trowbridge is a growing safe place for the community.
As well as looking at longer term solutions in relation to the town centre we are also focusing our attention on the people responsible for causing antisocial behaviour.
Whilst we will continue to proactively deal with criminal offences, without a PSPO we have few powers to deal with street drinking and any associated ASB. We are in the process of applying for a number of orders which would provide us with powers to deal with specific behaviours relating to certain individuals.
One local business owner said: “I’m really pleased to see the benches removed, but we need the council to understand that this will move the problem on elsewhere, so we need further help for us, the local businesses to highlight key locations of issues going on, to continue the positive impact like today.”
Inspector Andy Lemon, representing Trowbridge NPT highlighted: “The displacement of the issue is unfortunately commonplace when it concerns anti-social behaviour, but we will continue to work alongside our partners and communities to make sure Trowbridge is a safe place to live, work and socialise.
The successful removal of the benches at Wicker Hill will be closely monitored with reassurance patrols from the Trowbridge NPT with local businesses and residents encouraged to participate in upcoming community events to report any incidents of anti-social behaviour.
We are also looking to talk to talk to members of the public through our mobile police station, look at how the area is covered by CCTV and looking to use various powers to disperse individuals.
For more information on how to get in touch with Trowbridge NPT, please contact the team direct via email: [email protected] or visit their Your Area section on the Force website: Trowbridge | Wiltshire Police
