A crackdown on street drinking and anti-social behaviour in Trowbridge is being backed by addiction support services – part of an initiative led by Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
Philip Wilkinson has reaffirmed his commitment to tackling concerns raised by residents and businesses in the town centre. He says the approach combines enforcement with targeted support for individuals struggling with substance misuse.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) has been working with Wiltshire Police, Trowbridge Town Council and Wiltshire Council to address the issue, and recently took part in a patrol to hear residents’ concerns.
Support also comes from Connect, a service jointly funded by the OPCC and Wiltshire Council, which provides specialist outreach.
The OPCC invests more than £108,000 into the service each year.
Mr Wilkinson said: “Listening to the issues raised by our communities and responding to their concerns is the primary function of my office.
“Tackling street drinking is not just about enforcement, it’s about understanding the root causes and working with partners and commissioning specialist services to deliver long-term solutions. That’s why services like Connect are so vital.”
As part of the wider effort, the OPCC has supported the Safer Streets Summer campaig,n which delivered enhanced CCTV coverage and community engagement initiatives in Swindon.
Additional hotspot patrols, running until the end of March, are providing a visible police presence in key areas.
A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in Trowbridge also gives officers greater powers to deal with anti-social behaviour.
Connect Wiltshire, delivered by Turning Point, plays a key role in supporting individuals affected by street-based behaviours. The service offers free and confidential advice for anyone concerned about drug or alcohol use.
Outreach workers have been engaging directly with individuals in Trowbridge, offering immediate support and recovery plans.
Alex Cattelona, Criminal Justice and Engagement & Prevention Manager at Connect, said: “Working alongside local PCSOs and Wiltshire Council’s ASB and Rough Sleeper teams on joint outreach patrols in Trowbridge has had a real impact on vulnerable substance users.
“We support individuals who are alcohol or drug dependent by developing personalised recovery plans and helping them access secure accommodation – giving them the stability they need to make lasting, positive changes.”
This was echoed by Trowbridge Neighbourhood Inspector Ho Tsang, who added: “Thanks to the multi-agency interventions now in place, we’ve seen a reduction in reports of street drinking and associated anti-social behaviour in Trowbridge.
“We understand the serious impact ASB can have on the local community, which is why we continue to monitor the situation closely and carry out regular patrols in hotspot areas. Our focus remains on deterring anti-social behaviour while ensuring vulnerable individuals receive the support they need.”
