ANTI-Social behaviour in Hyde was the biggest concern at a recent meeting between residents of central Winchester and the police.

Problems there largely involve visitors from outside the area drinking alcohol and causing a general nuisance, police say.

The Police and Communities Together (PACT) meeting at Winchester Fire Station saw local people put their concerns to officers in an effort to establish policing priorities.

Following the meeting on Monday (January 14), Sgt Matt Fancett, of the Winchester Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: “We have already focussed on this area by forming a robust action plan. This involves dealing fairly and firmly with issues in the area. We can use our powers of seizing alcohol, dispersing individuals likely to cause a problem, and working closely with local establishments. The area has already been deemed an area of high priority, and you will see more police vehicles patrolling the area and completing paperwork from their vehicles in the area.”

At a similar meeting in November last year, police said reported incidents in Hyde had dropped by a third following a crackdown after residents pointed the finger at nearby support centres for homeless people.

However, the top three priorities for police will remain the same: anti-social behaviour in Hyde, in Winnall (particularly around Garbett Road), and in Highcliffe.