A CONSULTATION on how to deal with antisocial behaviour at a Christchurch town centre car park will begin today.

People are being asked for their views on a proposed public space protection order (PSPO) for Saxon Square car park.

It is hoped the order would put a stop to antisocial activities including noise from cars, drinking of alcohol and dog fouling.

Enforcement would be undertaken by council officers, with the support of police officers.

The issues have been ongoing for a number of years.

Eight years after a petition calling for the council to close the car park at night, the problem continues, with guests at the nearby Travelodge hotel reportedly feeling intimidated by groups of young drivers congregating in the car park.

Town centre ward councillor, Peter Hall said the problems mainly related to "cars chasing round the lower car park".

“I’ve had several meetings on this over the years with residents,” he said.

“And the one solution that has come up again and again is closing the bottom car park at night. But there is an issue over who would take responsibility for doing this.

“If this order is brought in, I hope it works as I know how disturbing this has been for residents.”

PSPOs were introduced in October 2014 by the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act and are designed to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a particular area that is detrimental to the local community’s quality of life.

The consultation starts today on Monday and continues until September 14.

For more information, go to dorsetforyou.com/article/419574/Saxon-Square-Car-Park-Public-Space-Protection-Order-consultation.

Paper copies are also available from the Civic Offices, the Information Centre in the High Street or the library.

A final report on the consultation will go to the Community Services committee on November 18.