Partnership success in tackling Ashley Road anti-social behaviour

Efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour and drug-related crime in Ashley Road, Parkstone, have been stepped up in recent months following a petition calling for action.

Liberal Democrat ward councillor Millie Earl presented the 'Make Ashley Road Safe' petition to BCP Council in September last year, with more than 2,200 signatures from residents, shoppers and shop staff.

It called on the local authority's Conservative administration and Dorset Police to take on the problem.

• Read more: Work to tackle Ashley Road anti-social behaviour 'progressing'

Councillor Earl said the move had worked, with the community's voice taken on board and acted upon.

"Many residents have been in touch with me about the noticeable improvements on Ashley Road – it's great that our authorities are finally working in partnership on an issue which means a lot to the people who live and work here," said Cllr Earl, who represents the Newtown and Heatherlands ward.

Cllr Millie Earl

"I'm so pleased the petition worked and the authorities have taken action, I will be keeping in touch with the neighbourhood policing team, police and crime commissioner and council cabinet members to make sure things continue to improve.

"It's going to be a great year for Ashley Road as we, the local residents, are already planning a series of events and community initiatives to bring people back to the shopping district and support the traders who have had a tough couple of years with the pandemic and anti-social behaviour."

Police and crime commissioner for Dorset David Sidwick said better partnership working had been behind improvements in tackling the problem.

• Read more: Police extend operation asking residents to shop nuisance behaviour

Since the introduction of Op Relentless and Mr Sidwick's Police and Crime Plan, tackling Ashley Road anti-social behaviour has been a priority for the force.

Meanwhile, BCP Council has introduced community safety accreditation scheme (CSAS) officer patrols and two new CCTV cameras have been installed in the road.

Mr Sidwick joined BCP Council's community safety portfolio holder Cllr Bobbie Dove and lead member for high street renaissance Cllr Nigel Brooks to meet with council officers, business owners and other local councillors recently, where it was agreed that there had been a tangible improvement to the area.

Councillor Bobbie Dove (Image: BCP Council)

Councillor Dove said: “I was delighted to meet traders at Ashley Road who all reported that there had been a substantial decrease in ASB since June. There has been a significant amount of partnership work to address some of the issues raised for Ashley Road and I have committed further to fund a dedicated community safety officer for the location as well as wider work around environmental improvements.

“It was encouraging to hear the positive feedback from residents and businesses on the recent improvements and I will continue the partnership work to maintain this.

"Ashley Road plays a key role within the community and we are pleased to announce that the area is now included within our High Streets rejuvenation task force, where we will continue to work with residents and traders to ensure that Ashley Road remains a safe and vibrant place to live, work and visit.”

Mr Sidwick added: “I would like to thank BCP Council and the local councillors for their efforts, some over many years, and of course I would like to thank the local patrol officers who have seriously stepped up over the past few months.

Dorset PCC David Sidwick

"All parties who met to discuss the issues with Ashley Road have agreed to continue to work together to ensure continuous sustainable improvement for the businesses and residents of the area.”

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