DRUG deals, drunkenness on the streets and fighting on a daily basis are making people who visit and work the Top of The Town feel unsafe.

This is the claim made by chair of the Top of The Town Association Alan Stone this week, who wants to see more of a security presence in the town centre.

A recent street audit carried out in the Top of The Town found that all begging carried out was undertaken to raise money for alcohol or drugs.

The street audit report reads: “People have also said that there are people who will trade on being homeless in order to raise money and that the negative behaviours of some has an impact on others who are street attached.”

Mr Stone said: “We need to get the message out there that by giving these people who are begging for money it is just fuelling the drug culture in the top of the town.

“I had one store owner tell me that he saw a drug deal happening in broad daylight in McDonald’s as if it was nothing.”

Mr Stone added: “I know the Social Inclusion Partnership is doing great things, but sometimes I think a harder approach is needed to dissuade people so those who really need our help aren’t lumped in with the others.”

In a letter seen by The Gazette, one staff member who works at the Top of The Town said she felt “intimidated by the large groups of youths, drug addicts and drunks” and when she is leaving work that there had been “many occasions where there have been incidents outside our shop and we have locked ourselves in until we feel less afraid.”

Sergeant Trevor Taylor, from Basingstoke’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We continually work hard to make Basingstoke, including the Top of The Town area, a safer place for residents, businesses and visitors.

“Where criminal offences are reported to us, we will take action, and we regularly meet with local businesses to address any concerns raised.

“In recent months, we have used tactics including dispersal orders and targeted patrols following reports of anti-social behaviour, which have often involved groups of young people. More work is planned.

“Finally, we would like to remind people that information we receive from the public is vital to addressing anti-social behaviour.”

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council said it takes a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour and are working to make sure the Town remains a safe place to work and visit.

Cabinet member for communities and community safety Councillor Simon Bound said: “We do not tolerate anti-social behaviour in the Top of The Town and we would encourage people to report any incidents to the police.

“Working in partnership with the police and Basingstoke Together, we have and will continue to identify what the specific issues are so we can focus our activity and the work of agencies to provide the appropriate support and solutions, including enforcement.”

Lucy Boazman, chief executive of Basingstoke Together, added: “Basingstoke Together BID are working to reduce the negative impact such behaviours have on local businesses and those wishing to visit Basingstoke.”