Police say they are cracking down on anti-social behaviour and continuing to combat problems which have blighted a community during the lockdown.

As reported, people who live in the Park District off Weymouth seafront have told of 'horrific' problems of violence, open drug use and dealing, and drunken and lewd behaviour over the last few months.

Problems have been linked to some of the homeless people which Dorset Council put in local hotels so they were safe during the pandemic.

Some have since moved on but residents say that problems are ongoing and they are worried what it will be like in the main summer months.

The area was affected by general problems of anti-social behaviour before the pandemic.

Dorset Council said it is committed to reducing the number of people currently accommodated in the area and will start to move them into alternative accommodation from this week.

Police say they will work with the council and other partners to 'put effective solutions in place'.

Neighbourhood Inspector Barry Gosling, of Weymouth police, added: “We have significantly increased patrols in the vicinity over recent weeks and have taken a range of direct actions including issuing dispersal notices, arresting individuals where appropriate and compiling evidence to secure court orders against persistent offenders.

"These efforts will continue as part of our 100 Days of Summer enhanced policing campaign.

“We would continue to encourage anyone experiencing issues with anti-social behaviour in the area to report matters to Dorset Police on 101, via email at 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or online at www.dorset.police.uk. If a crime is in progress dial 999.”

The Park District is currently covered by the Weymouth anti-social behaviour Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which allows police to order someone to stop drinking alcohol in public. If anyone breaches the requirements of the PSPO, or fails to comply with a request to cease the prohibited activity, they would be committing a criminal offence and may be fined.

Cllr Tony Alford, Portfolio holder for Customer, Community and Regulatory Services at Dorset Council said: “The council is committed to reducing the number of people currently accommodated in B&Bs and will start to move people into alternative accommodation from this week.

"We continue to work with Dorset Police and the Community Safety team to implement a number of interventions to address the concerns around anti-social behaviour in the area.”