ANTISOCIAL behaviour at Bemerton Heath was top of the agenda at a police and community meeting yesterday.

Hosted by the Bemerton Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team at St Michael’s Church, Salisbury Police Inspector Andy Noble and community beat manager PC Simon Davies gave residents an update on steps being taken to tackle the issue.

They said since November, when incidents of crime reported to police hit its peak, the area had been made a priority for patrols.

Over the past few months, 27 young people have come into contact with police over a range of incidents,  from the use of abusive language to damage to property, and a number of “hotspots” have been highlighted in Gainsborough Close, Glyndebourne Close and Woodside Road.

Inspector Noble said: “We have low levels of antisocial behaviour being reported at the moment but we’ve got to keep a grip on it, particularly as we go into spring and the lighter evenings.”

Work is being done to improve street furniture and lighting while posters encouraging people to report crime are to be put up in some bus stops.

Also represented at the meeting were Wiltshire Council and Street Watch.

Local housing officer Kim Johnson said security doors were being installed for the blocks of flats and maisonettes, and a couple of evictions had taken place.

A number of organisations are also looking at improving the range of activities for 11 to 17 year olds on the estate.

The police are planning to hold further meetings at the estate.