Shop owners have hailed the drop in anti-social behaviour after businesses “took a stand” to make Shirley a more “peaceful” place.
It comes after businesses in Shirley Road were victim to five months of vandalism and verbal abuse by a group of teenagers, which saw some shop staff subjected to racial abuse.
After five months of continued anti-social behaviour, Hampshire police and crime commissioner (PCC) Donna Jones, visited shopkeepers in the precinct in August before a second meeting at the start of September, outlining plans to combat crime.
Following the meetings with the police and crime commissioner, shopkeepers have hailed the change to life on Shirley high street.
Nnenna Okonkwo, owner of Sunnyday International Foods, told the Echo it was “nice to look out of the window and not be worried.”
She said: “It’s so peaceful now, my anxiety has definitely lowered.
“It’s good to see more people in the store and in the precinct, people just used to rush by but now they take their time and stop to talk.
“When we were experiencing all the anti-social behaviour problems, I would only get a couple of hours sleep but now my head hits the pillow, and I go straight to sleep.”
READ MORE: Patrols to tackle anti-social behaviour hotspot
Nnenna was one of several shop owners to voice her concerns to the PCC in August, that saw the PCC increase patrols in the area, hire private security for ten weeks, and install new CCTV.
The private security patrols began last week.
When asked what had contributed to the reduction in anti-social behaviour, Nnenna said: “All the shops took a stand.
“We launched a petition and got support from the public, and Donna Jones had to come here to meet with us for face-to-face discussions.”
Pete Gallagher, owner of Make It Magic on Shirley Road, welcomed the positive atmosphere on the high street, as he said: “Shirley is a pleasant place to come to work again.”
He added: “There’s so many great people and so many great places to be in Shirley.
“The anti-social behaviour didn’t help us at all, the police and council looked at the issues independently and did a good job.
“I haven’t seen any issues on the street for a month now and the vibe on the street is really nice.
“We just have to get as many people shopping on the high street as possible because it’s vital for local businesses.”
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