Security guard patrols have reduced street drinking, say traders

Salisbury City Council hired two plain-clothes guards to tackle street drinking in and around the Market Place after businesses and shoppers complained the problem was getting out of control.

Paul Guymer, assistant manager at jeweller Allum & Sidaway, said: “It does seem to have been effective.

“We have certainly seen less activity with people drinking in the market square and by the library.”

Another staff member said there had been security concerns before, but the council’s action had “definitely improved the whole ambience of Salisbury.”

“I think people feel safer walking around,” she said.

Jan Ashton, owner of jeweller OSO Boutique, said: “I still see the odd one or two [street drinkers] but not the kind of huge gatherings we were getting. It’s definitely been working, it’s been significantly better.”

She added that customers had told her Salisbury was becoming “a hostile place to visit”.

Steve Godwin from Salisbury BID said: “It certainly has helped to disperse the street drinkers. The trouble is they have got to go somewhere and they have moved around the city.”

Lib Dem councillor Brian Dalton questioned why Salisbury tax payers were footing the bill - reported to be £6,000 so far - when it should be a police matter.

Insp Pete Sparrow of Salisbury Police said: “Despite some public opinion, it is clear that we cannot simply arrest our way out of what is a complex problem involving significant addiction and vulnerability issues.

“To improve these complex issues we need to look at the root causes and change behaviour for the long term benefit of the community.”

Labour councillor Ian Tomes said: “I thought we were short of cash, and yet without any debate we are spending money on pet projects of one or two councillors.”

Labour’s John Walsh said: “It is helping to make the city centre a safer place in the short term, but it is difficult to justify spending public money in such a way longer term.”