More action needed to control Winchester anti-social behaviour

A small of group of people are behaving badly, continually shoplifting, getting drunk, abusive and aggressively begging, former councillor Ian Tait told Winchester Town Forum on Monday, November 11. 

Mr Tait said the problems at Kings Walk had been sorted by removing the fountain and seating and allowing local cafes to have tables and chairs outside.

But the problems have moved onto the High Street centred on St Maurice's Covert. Mr Tait said: "There are around 10-15 individuals, taking alcohol, taking drugs, begging and using offensive language. Things are getting worse."

The baby changing facilities in the Market Lane toilets have been permanently closed because the cleaning staff cannot cope with the drugs paraphernalia. There have been three or four drugs deaths in those loos.

"These people are drinking vodka stolen from M&S, eating food stolen from Greggs or Pret, taking drugs and using foul language. Market traders have been threatened with violence. Something needs to be done."

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Ian Tait (Image: Contributed) Mr Tait the police and city council were not addressing the issue.

Town forum chairman Cllr Mark Reach said it was a complex issue that the council is working to address.

Cllr Kathleen Becker, Cabinet Member for Community and Engagement, said the council was working with the BID rangers and that the police regularly patrol the High Street.

She said the police have been missing criminal behaviour orders which bars offenders from entering the High Street.

And she added: "Given the pressures these people face we have to treat them with compassion. The lives they lead are extremely difficult."