PROBLEMS with anti-social behaviour in a Christchurch town centre car park has led councillors to consider a public protection order.

At a meeting of Christchurch Borough Council's community service committee, members agreed to consult on making a public spaces protection order on Saxon Square car park.

It comes after long-running issues with anti-social behaviour late at night.

In 2007, a petition was submitted to the authority, calling on them to close the car park at night.

But due to the expense of various proposed measures, the only measure completed was the relocation of a CCTV camera to capture car registration.

Now, eight years on, the problem continues, with guests at the nearby Travelodge hotel, reportedly feeling intimidated by groups of young drivers congregating in the car park.

A report to the committee also cited other problems including littering, consumption of alcohol and irresponsible dog ownership.

"The congregation of groups and associated anti-social behaviour in the car park detrimentally effects the environment for both residents and businesses in the vicinity, as well as users of the car park", the report said.

"The purpose of the PSPO is to improve the quality of life and reduce the fear of crime."

Crime figures released earlier this year for Christchurch show fear of crime was on the rise in the borough, despite the number of overall incidents actually falling.

A survey of residents, carried out by Dorset Police, showed 23 per cent felt the amount of crime had gone up.

Only 12 per cent felt it had gone down.

From April to December 2014, Christchurch experienced 123 fewer crimes than in the same period in 2013.

At the meeting, members agreed to go out to consultation on whether to make the order for Saxon Square car park.

Cllr Bernie Davis, portfolio holder for community at Christchurch council, said: "Anti-social behaviour in the car park at Saxon square has been a problem for a number of years. We’re very pleased that we now have the legislation that can help us deal with the problem.

"We will be going out to consultation so that we get the views of the community on our proposals."