Wiltshire Police are poised to take action against specific individuals in a bid to combat anti-social behaviour in the Wicker Hill area of Trowbridge.

Officers are considering imposing civil injunction ASBs following reports of drug taking, alcohol consumption, shoplifting, disorders and fighting.

The injunctions will help the police to manage people they think are taking part in anti-social behaviour and will also prevent the individual involved from getting into crime.

Sergeant Charly Chilton, of Trowbridge Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "As well as looking at longer term solutions in relation to the town centre we are also focusing our attention on the people responsible for causing anti-social behaviour.

"Whilst we will continue to proactively deal with criminal offences, without a Public Space Protection Order we have few powers to deal with street drinking and any associated ASB.

“We are in the process of applying for a number of orders which would provide us with powers to deal with specific behaviours relating to certain individuals."

Officers are also looking at imposing a revamped PSPO on Trowbridge town centre after the previous one expired. It could include a ban on consuming alcohol in public open spaces.

Sgt Chilton says police are determined to stamp out anti-social behaviour after talks with partnership agencies led to four seats being removed from the bottom of Wicker Hill.

Officers in the Trowbridge policing team will step targeted patrols to combat the issues following complaints by local shopkeepers, the Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce, and residents.

The seating at the bottom of Wicker Hill was removed on Friday morning following an increase in the number of anti-social complaints. Image: Trevor Porter 77211-2The seating at the bottom of Wicker Hill was removed on Friday morning following an increase in the number of anti-social complaints. Image: Trevor Porter 77211-2 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Sgt Chilton  said: “Since April we have received 51 reports of anti-social behaviour in the area, compared with six during the same period in 2023.

“This includes disorders, fighting and drug and alcohol consumption, many of which occur at a paved area which contains four benches.

“Whilst this is not a permanent solution, this will allow our neighbourhood policing team to work with Trowbridge Town Council, Wiltshire Council and local partner agencies and businesses to provide a long-term resolution, such as a revamped Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for example, to ensure that Wicker Hill and Trowbridge is a growing safe place for the community."

The seating at the bottom of Wicker Hill has been removed following an increase in the number of anti-social complaints.Trevor Porter 77211-1The seating at the bottom of Wicker Hill has been removed following an increase in the number of anti-social complaints.Trevor Porter 77211-1 (Image: Trevor Porter)

One local business owner, who declined to be named, said: “I’m really pleased to see the benches removed, but we need the council to understand that this will move the problem on elsewhere, so we need further help for us, the local businesses to highlight key locations of issues going on, to continue the positive impact like today.”

Inspector Andy Lemon, of Trowbridge NPT, added: "The displacement of the issue is unfortunately commonplace when it concerns anti-social behaviour, but we will continue to work alongside our partners and communities to make sure Trowbridge is a safe place to live, work and socialise."

Trowbridge Town Council leader Cllr Stewart Palmen said: “It’s a difficult decision and the argument that you are just moving the problem on to somewhere else is true so there needs to be the follow-up with the police and local services to address the core issues.

“The aim is to put seating back in that area as part of the works on Wicker Hill and the River Biss.”

The seating at the bottom of Wicker Hill has been removed following an increase in the number of anti-social complaints. Trevor Porter 77211-4The seating at the bottom of Wicker Hill has been removed following an increase in the number of anti-social complaints. Trevor Porter 77211-4 (Image: Trevor Porter)

The removal of the benches at Wicker Hill will be closely monitored with reassurance patrols from the Trowbridge NPT with local businesses and residents encouraged to participate in upcoming community events to report any incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Trowbridge Police will also talk to members of the public visiting its mobile police station, look at how the area is covered by CCTV, and officers are planning to use various powers to disperse individuals.