CIVIC chiefs are set to debate funding plans for a scheme which will see council teams hit the streets in efforts to support the police and help Weymouth become more ‘family-friendly’.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s management committee will meet tomorrow to discuss plans to fund a Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) for the town centre.

It is said that although levels of anti-social behaviour (ASB) have decreased recently, the town centre still has the highest rate of crime and ASB in the Community Safety Partnership area of Weymouth and west Dorset.

Under the proposals, the scheme will see uniformed community officers employed by the council and overseen by Dorset Police patrol the area, tackling issues such as street drinking, begging and general ASB. They would wear cameras and be able to issue fines.

There have been complaints recently about unruly youths causing havoc in the town which the patrols could also help to address.

Weymouth and Upwey rail stations would also be part of the patrol route.

Dorset Echo:

The new town patrols could free up police officers, above, to concentrate on other priorities

The council says the scheme, expected to run for a pilot period of two years, will aid the police so officers can focus on other priorities.

In a report to the management committee, officers consider two options for the operation of the scheme, developed regarding crime and ASB data, councillor considerations and those of potential funding partners.

Under the funding options, the council could either spend £60,000 per year by having one patrol of two officers working flexible hours during daytime and early evenings with some weekend and Bank Holiday cover.

Alternatively, patrols of two officers each would see them working daytimes (10am-6pm) while a second patrol would work evenings (6pm-2am) with some flexibility and coverage of weekends and Bank Holidays at a cost of £110,00.

This funding would come from either the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner, Dorset Police, Dorset County Council, British Transport Police and Weymouth BID which have all been consulted on funding options, although no final decisions on funding have been made as of yet.

In the meantime, the council said its community safety officer and ASB caseworker would continue to work with the police and others to improve safety.

Cllr Francis Drake, council spokesman for Community Safety, said: “We will work with partners to protect businesses, residents and visitors.”

Sergeant Steve Haywood, of Weymouth Police, said: “Local officers are committed to addressing issues relating to anti-social behaviour in Weymouth and are reliant on information from the public so they can act on their concerns.

“Anyone who encounters any anti-social behaviour or who has any information is asked to contact police as soon as possible on 101, via email at 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or online at www.dorset.police.uk.”

A Dorset Police spokesman said that the scheme will allow officers to focus on other high priority areas.

They added: “Officers will gather all the evidence needed to prosecute people by wearing body cameras and will be given certain powers with the focus being on street drinking and begging.”

The council submitted an application for the accreditation scheme to Dorset Police early this year and a positive outcome is expected by early May 2018, while funding proposals will be discussed at the meeting tomorrow.

Because of Local Government Reorganisation the management committee is only being asked to consider funding for 2018-19.

Future funding arrangements would have to be considered once the council is abolished next year.

The council says by the time CSAS becomes operational, the ASB Public Space Protection Order will be in force and CSAS officers will be able to issue fixed penalty notices for offences including begging; feeding of gulls and unauthorised cycling on The Esplanade. They will be able to take action for problematic consumption of alcohol in public places. Officers will complement the environmental enforcement work currently being undertaken by 3GS Ltd whose main focus is littering and dog control.