POLICE are working with businesses to try and tackle anti-social behaviour across Stroud town centre.

A joint project involving the Stroud neighbourhood policing team and CitySafe has recently launched to tackle issues regarding anti-social behaviour. 

As part of this, business owners and traders are now being urged to complete a survey so that these agencies can ‘provide better support and education’ to those who live and work in the town centre.

A police spokesperson said: “A survey has been formulated in order to more closely engage with our local businesses in Stroud town centre, in a bid to see how anti-social behaviour is impacting them or how it has in the past.

“We’re keen to support our local businesses, provide a proactive policing approach, and find ways to streamline our joint working.

“Responses will help us gain a better understanding of anti-social behaviour in the area, and enable us to provide better support and education to those who live and work in the town centre.

“Our aim is to provide reassurance and show how we listen to members of the public, including local businesses, and will tackle their concerns."

Tony Davey, chair of Stroud Chamber of Trade, said: “We have been working with the police and other stakeholders in Operation Unity, designed to focus on tackling Anti-social Behaviour (ASB) and the causes of ASB.

“Multiple factors have seen an increase in ASB within our towns, from crime against business and street drinking to graffiti and criminal damage.

“We urge town-centre businesses to participate in this short survey and have communicated the link through its private social media channels and via email.

“Businesses who have not received the link may contact ASB@StroudChamber.org.uk, with details of their business, and the link will be sent to them."

Dr Simon Opher, Labour's parliamentary candidate for Stroud said: "I urge local traders to respond to this important survey and have their say.

“Antisocial behaviour has ballooned over the last 14 years, becoming a major obstacle to revitalising our high streets in Stroud, Dursley and Wotton. "

Cllr Louisa Stinton, Green town councillor for Stroud Central ward, said: "Cases of anti-social behaviour by a few people can spoil the experience for many – and are deeply upsetting for traders in particular.

“I welcome this initiative to find out just how much of an issue this is and then to look at ways of addressing it.”