Council invests in tackling anti-social behaviour

A council in Devon is investing a further £300,000 to tackle anti-social behaviour in town centres.

Torbay Council said it was investing in Operation Town Centres - its plan to make the bay's towns safer and more welcoming.

The money, along with the £300,000 already committed, would build on the work that began last May and focus on combating environmental crime, officials said.

Officers, who patrolled largely on foot, issued 75 fixed penalty notices between November last year and January of this year. However, the council said its approach was now to engage and educate before carrying out enforcement.

Hayley Tranter, council's cabinet member of adult and community services, public health and inequalities, said: "These achievements show that a lot of work has been taking place over the last few months.

"It's also testament to what we can accomplish when we work together towards a common goal.

"Our town centres are now safer and more welcoming for everyone, and we will continue to build on this success in the year ahead to ensure that they remain vibrant and secure places for all residents, businesses and visitors."

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