Basingstoke's street rangers have stopped patrolling the streets as the town's business improvement district prepares to be wound up this week.

As previously reported, Basingstoke Together will be wound up on Wednesday after it failed in its attempt to have its contract extended.

The organisation, which is funded by a levy charged to business rates payers in the town centre, did not receive the required rateable value of votes in the re-ballot held in January and February.

It means that the services provided by the BID will come to an end this week, with the final patrols of the town rangers having taken place on Saturday (March 27).

The rangers, introduced in September 2019, patrolled the area, including the top of town, to deter anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, as well as responding to first aid incidents and keeping the town looking its best.

Currently, Brett Jones and Robby Arnott are the two friendly faces that many users of the town centre have got to know over the last 18 months.

Basingstoke Together has defended the rangers actions - what do you think?

Basingstoke Together has defended the rangers' actions - what do you think?

In October, BID chief executive Jane Stewart told The Gazette that she was considering increasing the cover to six days a week after understanding its popularity from businesses.

But its not been without controversy, after a YouTuber said that he felt profiled in November after the street rangers followed him after he was filming in the town during lockdown.

YouTuber Auditing Britian said he was left feeling 'profiled' after he was questioned for documenting empty shops in Basingstoke last week.

A spokeswoman for Basingstoke Together, who manages the street rangers, said their staff have a right to ensure "businesses and visitors feel safe".

Other services that the BID provide, which include promotion on social media and via digital channels, Christmas lights, market place, representation with the local authority and co-ordination in the town, will come to an end on Wednesday.