ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour at a Christchurch town centre car park has led to a protection order being placed on the site.

Members of Christchurch council's community services committee voted unanimously to make a public spaces protection order for Saxon Square car park following a raft of issues over the years.

These include young drivers congregating in the car park, littering, consumption of alcohol and irresponsible dog ownership.

It is the first order of its type to be made in the borough.

During a consultation earlier this year, residents, businesses, and police were consulted, and the youths who congregate in the car park warned over the potential order.

In a report to the committee, officers said it is hoped that over a six month period the need for enforcement will reduce.

Signs explaining the order will be put up in the car park, and officers will patrol as a means of enforcing it.

Fixed penalties will not be handed out at the time of the offence but will go to a team to decide whether to fine, prosecute or warn.

Leader of the council, Cllr Ray Nottage, said: "We're not the sort of organisation that wants to place protection orders and fine people for using our spaces, but we have had this problem now for seven or eight years and it's been getting worse."

He said he sympathised with residents, and would like a review of the situation in a year's time.

Cllr Colin Bungey said while he agreed the order was "essential", he wanted to be made aware if it resulted in displacing the problem.

"We may need to take further action", he warned.