Reducing anti-social behaviour and drug activity are among a list of priorities issued by Ashby police this week.

Addressing problems on the Bath Grounds and in the town centre at night are among the issues being highlighted.

A document titled 'new beat priorities' was issued via the Neighbourhood Link service.

It says that there will be reassurances to the public and visitors to the Bath Grounds with police looking to cut instances of anti-social behaviour.

As for the town centre at night, local police say that the aim is to make sure Ashby is a safer environment for all residents and visitors.

They add that reducing drug activity of all kinds will 'contribute to the above primary aim'.

It also says that the involvement of Response Officers during Night Time Economy patrols and other downtime visits should also further deter this activity.

Road safety is another concern and police say they plan to crackdown on speeding cars through Ashby, Packington, Normanton Le Heath and Ravenstone.

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It added that the involvement of local resident through Community Speed Watch initiatives is another way of reporting motorists.

Police are reassuring visitors to the Bath Grounds in Ashby. Photo: Ashby Nub News

At a recent meeting of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council's planning committee, councillors spoke to Sergeant Gary Sirrell, accompanied by PCSO Will Tipper, who provided an update on the key crime issues in the town.

Sgt Sirrell explained that he had recently taken over the local beat and that there were two police officers and two PCSOs, who were both former police officers, covering the Ashby area. 

At the meeting, the Deputy Town Clerk presented the crime report and explained that there had been a marked increase in crimes reported around Coxon Mews.

That had been largely attributed to theft of merchandise from the Central Co-op on Market Street, particularly with regards to the theft of alcohol by underage youths. 

The meeting was told this is having an adverse effect on the wider town centre and Bath Grounds with increased anti-social behaviour and littering. 

The Licensing Officers from the District Council had been tasked with contacting the Co-op to remind them of their licensing obligations. 

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Sgt Sirrell explained that police officers usually suggest the retailers relocate certain items e.g. alcohol into more appropriate locations. 

Cllr Murrae Blair-Park said that retailers were not taking responsibility for what they were selling and asked, at what stage does the Co-op put their license to sell alcohol at risk.

He added that there should be conversations with retailers advising them that if they cannot manage the selling of alcohol they should not be able to sell alcohol. 

Cllr Chris Smith commented that the Co-op have suffered severely across the country with violence against their staff. He added that he was due to speak with the Regional Director of the Co-op to look at practical steps to ease the situation.