South Somerset District Council’s Streetscene Services have been working with Avon and Somerset Police and the Yeovil One Team to help tackle anti-social behaviour and drug crime in a part of Yeovil.
Reports of groups congregating and disposing of drug paraphernalia in the park that can be accessed off Milford Road and Folly Fields has resulted in the District Council cutting back trees and undertaking clearance work to hedges in order to increase visibility in the area.
The District Council work with local Police to address issues and are committed to using appropriate resources to help tackle problems such as anti-social behaviour and aims to keep the streets and neighbourhoods in South Somerset clean and attractive.
C/Insp Mark Edgington said, “We are working with our partners including South Somerset District Council to deal with drug crime and associated anti-social behaviour in Yeovil. We are very much listening to our communities and addressing their concerns in addition to taking proactive steps to disrupt drug crime.
“The park should be there for everyone to enjoy and no one wants drug paraphernalia or dealing in public spaces. Clearing back foliage and creating more visibility should hopefully help resolve the issue. My teams will continue to carry out high-visibility patrols around the area and you will continue to see officers from our Mounted and Dog sections in and around the town.”
Councillor Jo Roundell Greene, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Deputy Leader of South Somerset District Council said, “The type of work that has been undertaken at this particular park is work that we wouldn’t normally do, however the team have gone above and beyond the routine in response to requests from the public in order to help address real concerns and tackle drug crime and associated anti-social behaviour”.
Yeovil Town Council has also been involved, visiting nearby residents and reassuring them that the work undertaken will help to address concerns raised by the public.
C/Insp Edginton added, “We are absolutely committed to tackling drug crime and other community concerns in Yeovil. The public are our eyes and ears and we want to hear from you if you witness any criminal activity or have any information about suspected crime in your neighbourhood. Please get in touch. Always dial 999 if you see a crime in progress. You can also call us on 101 or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”