THE POOLE Liberal Democrats are calling for action from BCP Council and Dorset Police following increased anti-social behaviour and drug use in Ashley Road.

Councillor Millie Earl, who represents Newtown and Heatherlands ward, launched a petition on Sunday, March 21.

The petition, entitled 'Make Ashley Road Safe', is calling on the council and police to make Ashley Road safe for residents and visitors alike following a spate of incidents.

The petition has already received over 500 signatures.

Cllr Earl said: "Our residents, shoppers and shop workers deserve so much better. In just a matter of weeks, shops will be reopening and it’s vital that we support local business. How can we expect people to do this when they don’t feel safe?”

"We’ve launched this petition to ask that the Conservative administration of BCP Council and Dorset Police take action and end anti-social behaviour and drug related crime in the Ashley Road area.

"The current situation is damaging the local economy and putting shoppers off visiting our shopping district. Residents and businesses have had enough. It’s time the authorities used the powers they have to stop Ashley Road declining further."

An Ashley Road shop owner is "demanding action" from both the council and police.

Owner of the Barking Cat Ale House, Mark Ambrose said: "The current situation on Ashley Road is destroying a once vibrant and family friendly neighbourhood. Antisocial behaviour from an ever-growing number of people has made the road dangerous to walk through.

"Shoplifting, urinating, open use of drugs and fighting has not been dealt with by the council or the police effectively, leaving business owners and the public distraught. We are now demanding action."

In response to the petition, Neighbourhood Inspector Adrian Thompson, of Poole police, said: "We are aware of issues involving reports of anti-social behaviour and drug-related activity in the Ashley Road area.

"Our officers are working tirelessly to target and disrupt anti-social and drug-related behaviour there by carrying out proactive patrols, which aim to target individuals and areas that are linked to suspected ASB or crime.

"We are carrying out joint work and patrols with the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme officers from BCP Council, who are dedicated to the area, in a bid to reduce this behaviour.

"We want to ensure that residents feel safe while they are in the area and I would urge anyone with concerns or information about anti-social behaviour in the area to contact us via 101 or approach our local officers as they carry out their patrols."

Councillor May Haines, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety at BCP Council, said: "We have a dedicated community safety accreditation (CSAS) officer who regularly patrols the area of concern. We are also working closely with the police to tackle the issue.

"As part of our summer readiness, plans have been developed to deal with street based alcohol consumption leading to anti-social behaviour. We have also approved funding for six extra CSAS officers to tackle anti-social behaviour within our conurbation."

Cllr Earl intends to present the petition to councillors at the BCP Council meeting on May 11, and to Dorset Police on the same day.

To find out more about the petition, visit: www.poole-libdems.org.uk/ashley_road