THE manager of the Zizzi restaurant in Basingstoke has shared his views on what action is needed to improve the town centre.

Kevin Thornton, the manager of Zizzi in Basingstoke told the Gazette that “something does need to be done in terms of security.”

He said: “There used to be two guys who got paid to patrol the centre of town.

“They were our go to for trouble outside and now they are gone and there is nothing to replace them.

“We are now left with Festival Place, which has its own security, The Malls has got its own security, but the centre of town hasn’t.”

He said although it does not worry him in terms of people’s safety that it is a worry “in terms of the gathering of people in this end of town.”

As previously reported by the Gazette Basingstoke's street rangers stopped patrolling the streets earlier this year.

The rangers, introduced in September 2019, previously 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.

Brett Jones and Robby Arnott were the two friendly faces that many users of the town centre got to know.

Basingstoke Together 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.

Community safety patrol officers, who are employed by the council are now responsible for patrolling the area.

Community safety patrol officers aim to improve the wellbeing of residents by helping to make people feel safer. The focus of the service is to reduce anti-social behaviour affecting people and places.

Kevin said that despite this things are slowly improving in the town.

He added: “It is starting to rejuvenate and there is now a new bar down the end, which has started to get busy.

“There is a new shop opened opposite as well and Taco Bell, which has just opened and is always really busy, so life is starting to come back to town.”

He added: “All the night spots are open so it’s coming back.”