MEASURES to curb an upsurge in antisocial behaviour in a Hampshire town have been branded a success by civic chiefs.

Fareham Borough Council introduced a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in West Street in Fareham town centre in November 2016 after traders, shoppers and residents raised concerns about drunken behaviour, drugs use, begging and rough sleeping.

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

Figures from the council showed that the number of anti-social behaviour cases in the town centre fell by more than 66 per cent over a 12-month period from 99 in 2016 to 34 in 2017.

Council leader Sean Woodward said: “We made the right decision to bring in the order; shoppers have the right to go about their business and not feel vulnerable or intimidated when visiting Fareham.”

But opposition councillors say the move has just pushed the problem elsewhere.

Councillor Shaun Cunningham, who represents Portchester on the council, said: “The problem is just being diverted to Gosport, it’s not tackling the issue at all.

“Fareham still has a homeless and anti-social behaviour problem; it needs to be tackled in the right way with robust action.”

Sharon Woolrich (pictured), chief inspector for Fareham and Gosport, said: “Anti-social behaviour remains a priority for my teams in Fareham and we have increased patrols in areas where problems have been identified and have engaged with schools and community groups to try to resolve these issues.

“I understand the concerns that the local community has, because anti-social behaviour covers a wide range of unacceptable activity that causes harm to an individual, a group of residents, or the local environment.”