CIVIC chiefs have approved powers to curb the level of violent antisocial behaviour in a Hampshire town.

Councillors in Gosport tonight discussed plans to introduce a new public space protection order after concerns were raised by shop traders about excessive levels of public drinking, drug taking and aggressive begging.

Figures from Hampshire Police also show that between July 2016 and June 2017, antisocial behaviour contributed to 37.26 per cent of all total crimes in the town - 1,296 out of 3,481 prompting civic chiefs to take action.

The new powers would make it an offence to beg or drink alcohol when asked not to do by a police officer as well as deterring offenders from urinating, being abusive or taking drugs in the street.

Cllr Graham Burgess, chairman of the council’s community board, said: “This new order would beef up the powers we and the police already have. Council officers, as well as police, would have the power to ask people to disperse.

"We can't put up with people loitering in groups drinking alcohol, shouting abuse, and harassing people for money when they use cash machines or buy ferry tickets."

Councillor Peter Chegwyn, leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition said: "We welcome the proposal to deal with street begging and anti-social behaviour.

"We have received reassurances that they will not affect rough sleepers or homeless people.

"There have been a lot of complaints about aggressive street begging from people who aren't homeless so we have to address it urgently.

"Passing it is one thing but enforcing it is another, we need to know that there will be sufficient levels of police."

The PSPO will be introduced next month.