A PLEDGE to stamp out antisocial street drinkers in Trowbridge has been hailed a success by police after the number of complaints regarding the problem have fallen to zero in the last two weeks.

Officers were called 91 times in the summer months regarding the drinkers and following an operation by the Trowbridge community policing team, who carried out increased patrols, action was taken against anyone causing issues through the use of Designated Public Place Orders (DPPOs). DPPOs help officers deal with the problems of alcohol related antisocial behaviour in public places by making it an offence to continue drinking when asked to stop by an officer.

As well as this, officers also engaged with local stores and the community to ensure they were kept informed of the progress being made.

PC Mark Hough said: "This is an excellent result and is an example of how police will act on the information we receive in a bid to keep Trowbridge a safe place to work and live in.

“We are aware of pockets of drinking in the town centre which will be addressed by the implementation of the new Public Space Protection Order in October.

“Despite these good results, we will not become complacent and the hard work does not stop there. We will continue to address any problems over the coming weeks and months and would continue to urge members of our community to report any antisocial behaviour via 101.”

Working with partner agencies including Wiltshire Council and Trowbridge Town Council over the summer, six people were referred to the Multi Agency ASBRAC with and two people were found suitable housing and are now sober, and two others have moved from the area.

Repeat offender Kenneth Beavis, 31 of no fixed address was jailed earlier this month after he breached a Criminal Behaviour Order which banned him from drinking in the town centre. He is currently service 16 weeks imprisonment.