THE first steps have been taken towards making a part of Basingstoke a safer neighbourhood.

Basingstoke's first Safer Neighbourhood panel meeting was held for Popley residents, who were given the chance to talk about the issues that matter most to them and find out what their police Safer Neighbourhoods Team is doing to address them.

The panel - known locally as the Popley Safer Neighbourhoods Team (PSNT) - includes local beat officers, community wardens, Popley councillors Jane and Paul Frankum, the Reverend Arthur Botham, from St Gabriel's Church, in Popley, Gwen Clifford, who is headteacher at Chineham Park Primary School, and local residents.

During the meeting, the panel voted on which issues should be top of the agenda for the first quarter of the year.

It was decided they should be general nuisance caused by youths, anti-social behaviour around Abbey Road shops and providing more facilities for young people.

Pc Dan Carter, beat manager for Popley West and chair of the PSNT, said: "The evening was well attended and a great success."

He added: "Members of the public can contact anyone from the PSNT to discuss what they'd like the panel to take part in. I would stress, though, that any instances of crime should be reported in the usual way."

Details of the meeting will be published on www.hampshire.police.uk and www.popleymatters.co.uk

The next PSNT meeting for Popley will be on March 28.

To raise any issues with the panel, contact Pc Carter on 0845 045 4545 or e-mail basingstoke.town.north.snt@hampshire.pnn.police.uk