Violent crime in Winchester has risen by 47 per cent during the past five years, according to figures revealed today.

The city witnessed an even bigger rise of more than 100 per cent between 2001 and 2005.

Conservative city councillor, George Hollingbery, who asked for the figures from police under the Freedom of Information Act, claims people do not like visiting the city centre at night, particularly at weekends.

He blames the problem on the police who he says are not connected with the community as they have been in the past.

In 2001/2, there were 197 violence incidents, which included rape, robbery, wounding, but also domestic violence and harassment.

In 2004/5, the number of people involved in violent incidents in the city centre stood at 409. This year's figure was down 29 per cent to 290.

Police said that in 2003 the way statistics were collated was changed so more crimes were recorded. Senior officers deny there has been a significant jump.

But a spokeswoman accepted there had been a rise of 47 per cent over five years.

Cllr Hollingbery said the city was similar to many others which has seen a jump in violent crime and antisocial behaviour, fuelled by more pubs and under-age drinking, as well as changes to the way statistics were recorded.

He said Winchester did not have a reputation for crime but this had led to underfunding.

"I'm pleased the figures have gone down this year, but a rise of 47 per cent is still not good and a year-on-year rise for four years does not look good either, regardless of the way the crimes are reported," he said.

Chief Supt Peter Goodall said: "Three years ago there was a general increase in recorded crime, but this is attributable to a change in the way crime is recorded. The new system means we now have a more accurate picture of crime."