TRADERS and residents in Westbourne are calling for tougher action to combat street begging and antisocial behaviour.

Some town centre businesses say the issue has gradually increased over the past couple of years, and has been driven by rough sleepers moving out of neighbouring Bournemouth town centre.

One shop worker, who asked not to be named, told the Echo she was recently spat at while serving behind the counter.She said: “I was left shaking, I couldn’t believe it. Some of our customers are now scared to come into the shop.When we speak to the police it seems there is nothing they can do.”

Meanwhile, an elderly couple are recovering after a recent alleged street robbery as they walked home from the shops in Westbourne.

Staff at a separate business said groups of ‘rough sleepers’ often congregate in Westbourne, shouting and swearing at passersby. “It is intimidating for people, and it is spoiling what is a lovely area,” they added. “There can be a feeling of menace, there should be an easy way to get the problem dealt with. We definitely need tougher action.”

However, Westbourne resident Martyn Gainey said: “I don’t think it is as bad an issue as others make out. It is nothing you don’t see a whole lot worse in other town centres, its just it never used to be an issue at all here.”

And other retailers insisted the level of antisocial behaviour was nothing out of the ordinary.

Indeed, official police figures show Westbourne and Westcliff saw 303 reports of antisocial behaviour between January 1 and May 24, this year, a decrease in reports from 412 for the same area in 2017.

Cllr Nick Rose, ward member on Bournemouth Borough Council, said he was aware of the problems. He added: “Many residents have spoken to me over the past 18 months about the downfall of beautiful Westbourne, as it is being taken over by aggressive beggars who generally portray themselves as down and out rough sleepers.

“Many of these beggars actually have homes to go to, and some who are homeless simply refuse to engage with the council, which has a great homelessness team which does wonderful work.”

The councillor believes another problem is that residents are handed over money misguidedly. “I’ve seen this many times,” he said. “I’ve seen people being given £10 notes by people with good intentions, even if they haven’t asked for money. Anyone who give money to a person on the street is decreasing their life span because they are helping them to stay on the street.If you want to give money, give it to one of the many homeless charities that exist in the country.”

Neighbourhood police say they’re “committed” to tackling antisocial behaviour in Westbourne, and regularly patrol the area.

Dorset Police Sergeant Karen Brown, of the neighbourhood policing team, said: “We also have plans to conduct days of action whereby we will be working with partner agencies and local businesses to tackle the issues that present themselves in Westbourne.”

Sergeant Brown also says officers are actively collating evidence against regular offenders causing anti-social behaviour with a view of bringing those responsible to justice.

She added: “We also appreciate the concern that antisocial behaviour can cause and rest assured that we take the concerns of residents, visitors and local business owners very seriously and will address the issues as best we can. As such we would urge the public to report it by contacting Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.”

Earlier this week the Daily Echo reported how Brian Pawley, aged 77, suffered facial injuries during alleged street robbery. His wife, Ruby, who suffers from Parkinson’s Disease had two heart attacks in the days afterwards. Mr Pawley, who has lived with his wife in Westbourne for 17 years, said: “Things have been changing for a while.

"We haven’t felt safe to go out at night for a long time.”

Someone has been arrested and charged in connection with the alleged robbery.