COUNCILLORS and police officers are due to attend a public meeting aimed at discussing problems with crime and anti-social behaviour in Springbourne.

Organiser Mark Elkins says "drug-fuelled crime" will be "high on the agenda" at the next meeting of the Springbourne and East Cliff Residents' group, which will take place on February 5.

The meeting follows a Daily Echo article about the "forgotten district of Bournemouth".

Mr Elkins said: "The meetings give local people the opportunity to take control of how they wish this area to be run.

"They usually include a particular focus on crime and anti-social behaviour. However, there are also opportunities to raise issues about other topics, including housing, road traffic management, refuse collections and street cleanliness."

As reported in December, businessowners and traders in Springbourne say they have been left to deal with growing crime and anti-social behaviour without support.

David Walters, of We Fix in Holdenhurst Road, said: "We get people walking up and down here and they're like zombies.

"They're on drugs."

It is understood that one trader whose shop window was kicked in last year will not have the glass replaced because of the chances such vandalism will soon occur again.

"The criminal issues reported by the Echo are a clear wake-up call for all of us," Mr Elkins said.

"We clearly want to put a stop to this type of behaviour.

"We know these are national issues, and not just happening here, but this doesn't mean we have to accept this or allow it to become the new normal."

The meeting will take place at the East Cliff United Reform Church Hall opposite Asda between 7pm and 9pm.

Councillor Anne Filer has previously told of her concerns. She has backed plans for a public meeting.

"As ward councillors we are very concerned, but it will need to be looked at with the various agencies concerned and see what the problem is," she said.