CALLS are being made for more to be done to crack down on anti-social behaviour in Romsey.

An apparent rise in the market town has led to Community leaders want police to take action against the youngsters who, they say, are harassing elderly residents and littering.

The main location of the incidents is occurring in front of the Barclay’s Bank, the Cornmarket and next door outside McColls.

Police are also calling on Romsey residents to report incidents of anti-social behaviour so they can do something about it.

PCSO Gemma Clark said: “If anti-social behaviour is affecting your quality of life, or making you fear for your safety or the safety of others, please contact the police.

“If you don’t report it then the problems will continue. Don’t think that someone else will report the problem. We need you to give us the information so we can continue to tackle anti-social behaviour in your area. We should all have the freedom to enjoy open spaces without the fear of harassment or intimidation.”

Officers also gave advice on how to deal with the incidents. They say that a typical scenario may involve groups of young people gathering and causing some kind of a nuisance.

"The best thing to do is to avoid confrontation, record dates, times and details of the incidents and report to the appropriate authority.

"If you live in rented accommodation inform the property owner, as they may be able to offer additional support and advice.

Town centre manager Mark Edgerley, who is leading the calls for action, said: he is concerned about the issue.“I’m concerned about a very small number of young people who are gathering in the Cornmarket and elsewhere in the town centre,” he said.

“A number a local people have approached me to say they felt the group was intimidating, they tend to be very vocal and leave a lot of litter where they gather,” he said.

“I I have also seen them playing football in the road between moving traffic which is potentially unsafe and risks the glass in some of our shop fronts.

“I don’t want to see our young people in trouble with the authorities and would much rather see their energies and talent channelled into something of benefit to them and our community.

"Unfortunately due to lack of funding, there is no longer a youth outreach worker in Romsey or the resources from Youth in Romsey to take on outreach work, so finding support for these young people is proving difficult; but the aim remains to engage with them to find what they feel they need before they end up in serious trouble.”

Any issues can be reported to 101.