LOCAL police have warned that the town centre could face a “challenging summer” of drunken “loutish behaviour” as Covid restrictions relax and the night-time economy returns to normal.
“Overall crime has returned to levels much where it was in the town pre-Covid – [but that’s] with pubs still yet to unlock,” said sgt James Twyford from the Melksham Community Policing Team, speaking at last month’s annual town meeting. So I think we are in for a challenging summer.”
Night-time disorder in the town centre was a hot topic last year, especially with High Street residents who said they had seen a rise in drunk and disorderly behaviour in the summer after restrictions were lifted following the first lockdown.
In response to the concerns, the local community policing team made preventing disorder in the town centre a priority – and according to sgt Twyford, this will remain a priority for the next 12 months.
He explained that local police are working with Melksham’s Pubwatch Scheme, venues and licensees on a “safe and collective response” to combat the issue.
“Sadly this is a historic Melksham issue – late night anti-social behaviour and loutish behaviour following drinking – that’s been going on for a number of years,” said sgt Twyford.
