Officers in Shepton Mallet are working to crack down on anti-social behaviour after increasing numbers of complaints from residents and business owners in Town Street.

The neighbourhood policing team say they have been contacted by traders and residents who are concerned about drug-dealing, drunkenness and anti-social behaviour taking part in Town Street, in the heart of the town.

A police spokesman said they hoped increased patrols could lead to a visible reduction in bad behaviour.

"We have increased our patrols in this area and will continually proactively engage with residents and traders," the spokesman said. "Safer, stronger communities are enhanced by positive relations with neighbourhood police and we will continue to patrol this location and deal positively with occurrences."

The team are also keen to reach out to local business owners with a view to sharing information which can be used to combat issues in the town as they arrive.

"A network of communication provides resilience and enables us to reach you quickly if we need to," the spokesman continued. "Our officers and traders in the town are working hand in hand to deter shop theft, which funds drugs and anti-social behaviour in Shepton Mallet and the county."

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