Calls for Portsmouth residents to report anti-social behaviour as issues have 'intensified' during lockdown

Members of the Milton community and Portsmouth City Council met this week to discuss incidents that have caused a problem in the Milton Locks Nature Reserve Area, including near the Thatched House pub in Locksway Road.

As a result council community wardens have increased their regular patrols in the area.

Milton resident and founder of the Keep Milton Green group, Kimberly Barrett, said: 'It's been happening for a while but it has intensified since the beginning of lockdown.

'There have been lots of parties and big social gatherings as well as drug taking on the beach. They were leaving behind nitrous oxide canisters.

'We are just trying to encourage people to report any anti-social behaviour in the area to the police to allow them to act on it.'

A spokesman from Portsmouth City Council added: 'Some concerns have been raised by residents so our community wardens have recently increased their regular patrols in Milton. We want everyone living in and visiting the city to be able to enjoy our outdoor spaces.

'We're working hard with partner organisations to tackle the causes of anti-social behaviour. In addition to this, alongside our community partners we're working to provide more activities and things to do for young people in the city, as lockdown restrictions are eased.'

So far one incident has been reported to the police.

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A spokeswoman for Hampshire Constabulary said: 'We were called at 10.15pm on Friday, July 24 to reports of anti-social behaviour at the Thatched House, Locksway Road, Portsmouth.

'The report was that there was a group of vehicles in the car-park playing loud music. This is the only report we have received.

'We are however aware that other reports have been made to the council, or have since made us aware.

'We are working with the council to understand the problem. There are increased patrols in the area and we will be reaching out to the community over the next few days to understand if there is a pattern of poor behaviour.'

It comes as The News reported ramped up police patrols in Portsmouth to combat the rising use of nitrous oxide (NOS).

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