The historic period gardens of a Grade-II listed building have been temporarily closed due to an increase in anti-social behaviour.

The highly-coveted Westbury Manor Garden in Fareham have been shut on the advice of Hampshire police due to a "marked increase of incidents".

Councillor Joanne Burton from Fareham Borough Council said: "I am very concerned that a rise in anti-social behaviour at this location has caused this most beautiful and well-attended public garden to be closed.

"We are working closely with the police to ensure that any individuals displaying anti-social behaviour are dealt with, and that the gardens can be reopened for the enjoyment of the whole Fareham community as soon as possible."

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Inspector Rob Kearley from Fareham’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We work closely with partner agencies including Fareham Borough Council to tackle anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

"We want Fareham to be a safe place to live and work in and we’re working hard to tackle anti-social behaviour and its adverse impact on our local community”.

The period garden has shrubs from South East Asia, China, Japan, South America, New Zealand, Chile and Peru.

Patrons to the Café at Westbury Manor will still be able to access the gardens during the Café opening hours.