Action on anti-social behaviour in Wantage

Vale of White Horse District Council has taken steps to tackle a rise in anti-social behaviour in an area of Wantage.

Earlier this year, residents and shoppers raised concerns over issues at Mill Street carpark.  Known locally as ‘The Undercroft’, the site was in danger of becoming a hotspot for anti-social behaviour with an increase in reports of unwanted gatherings, littering, graffiti and drug activity.

Following an inspection of the area, officers from Vale of White Horse District Council, Thames Valley Police and Oxford City Council identified a series of measures to improve safety and deter further anti-social behaviour from happening.  

Wantage Neighbourhood Policing Team now regularly patrols the area and continues to respond to reports of issues around the car park.

Signs have been installed to remind people that the area is being monitored and to encourage legitimate users of the carpark to report any unwanted behaviour.

Broken fence panelling has been repaired to restrict access to the bank and the area behind the car park and further recommendations has been made to improve the overall safety and maintenance of the facility.  

Council officers have also been liaising with Sainsbury’s in respect of the deck above the council’s car park and they have advised that improvement works and redecoration will likely commence in early spring.

Cllr Helen Pighills, Cabinet Member for Community Health and Wellbeing at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “We are committed to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all residents and visitors in Wantage.  We’ve now put measures in place to help prevent further issues but if you do witness anti-social behaviour around The Undercroft or elsewhere the town, please report it to the police.”