Visit to Romsey

Following concerns about anti-social behaviour in Romsey, Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has been out and about with Caroline Nokes MP and local officers to find out more about what the main issues are and how the police are tackling it.

Earlier in the year officers engaged in targeted action in Romsey. On a number of occasions a Section 35 Dispersal Order was put in place to tackle anti-social behaviour. The dispersal zone covered the town centre, down to Bypass Road and up to Sandy Lane. It gave officers the power to disperse people under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014; and also to seize any items used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.

Romsey Abbey is currently the Test Valley ward with the highest number of incidents per 1,000 people (27.59). If issues arise over the summer then this will likely result in further dispersal orders being authorised.

Caroline Nokes MP said: “It was great to be out with Donna and show her some of the areas which have been of concern to local residents. We discussed the dispersal orders the police have recently used and their efficacy, and also the issue with car meets at the Romsey Industrial Estate, which have been a real nuisance to Fishlake Meadows residents.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones said: “I have heard from a number of residents about anti-social behaviour in their local communities and I take each of these concerns very seriously. Romsey town centre has seen an increase in anti-social behaviour incidents over the past year, including vehicle nuisance in Romsey industrial estate and issues with people feeling intimidated by groups hanging around the bus station, shops and others parts of the town. The recent action of the local policing team has had a positive impact, and I am assured that they will not hesitate to take similar action should further incidents occur.”