A COUNCIL has been given powers to curb an upsurge in antisocial behaviour in a Hampshire town.

Civic chiefs in Fareham are taking action after, traders shoppers and residents raised concerns about drunken behaviour, drugs use, begging and rough sleeping in the town centre. The areas around West Street and the Westbury Museum were cited as among the worst affected.

In response the authority has introduced a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in the town centre.

The PSPO make it an offence to drink alcohol, beg or sleeping rough when asked not to do so by a police officer.

Police and authorised officers will now have the power to confiscate and dispose of substances and issue on-the-spot fines of up to £100 for those who fail to comply.

Councillor Trevor Cartwright, portfolio holder for Public Protection, said: “While Fareham town centre is a safe place to live, work and visit, there has been a growing number of complaints about antisocial behaviour.

“We believe our approach balances the needs of people involved in antisocial behaviour alongside our duty to respond to complaints from the public and take action against illegal activities.”

Councillor Sean Woodward, the leader of Fareham Borough Council added: “Shoppers do have the right to go about their business and not feel vulnerable or intimidated when visiting Fareham.”

The news follows similar orders that were introduced to Southampton and Chandler’s Ford several months ago.

However, Councillor Shaun Cunningham, from the council’s Liberal Democrat group, believed the orders will not modify behaviour in the town.

He said: “The issues of homelessness and antisocial behaviour in the town centre needs to be resolved but the PSPOs I believe aren’t the right way to action the problem.”

The introduction follows a consultation where more than 540 business-owners, landlords, shoppers, community representatives, and residents shared their views on the introduction of the scheme late last year.

A review on the effectiveness of the scheme will be made to the council in the coming months.