More than 40 residents  joined MP Darren Paffey in Southampton on Saturday morning to discuss antisocial behaviour concerns in the city.

The public event at Central Baptist Church on Devonshire Road was arranged by the MP after constituents in the Polygon and surrounding areas contacted him with their concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour, such as drug-dealing, street drinking, abusive language and theft.

It comes just days after Hampshire police issued a dispersal order for Southampton city centre after a staff member at the Marlands Sopping Centre was reportedly assaulted.

Councillors and police officers joined Mr Paffey to listen to residents’ concerns and explain the actions they’re taking and the challenges that they face.

Representatives from homelessness charity Society of St James also attended to help residents understand the work they’re doing to support vulnerable people in and beyond the city centre.

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The Southampton Itchen MP said: “Crime and antisocial behaviour is something that many residents have contacted me about and there is a clear feeling that more needs to be done.

“It was great to see such a full turnout and I’m grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to some really honest and constructive discussions.

“It’s clear that people want to see a more visible police presence, which is why it was great to have local officers with us to help explain the challenges that they’re facing.

“After years of declining police presence on our streets, it’s good that the government has committed to boosting neighbourhood police teams and I’ll be doing what I can to make sure that these additional resources come to Southampton. From the conversations I had today, it’s clear that residents feel that they’re very much needed.”