POLICE have been praised for reducing anti-social behaviour in a part of Winchester city centre.

Residents of Hyde Gate, off Hyde Street, praised the police’s efforts, increasing patrols in the area that has become notorious for drug dealing after residents complaints of aggressive people hanging around and people shooting up in churchyards. Residents said they were afraid to walk through certain parts at night.

At a meeting of Winchester PaCT, held at Peter Symonds College on Tuesday evening, officers and residents discussed a recent operation which saw police patrolling the area daily.

Officers believe that has lead to a reduction in anti social behaviour and drug related offences in the area.

One resident, who did not want to be named, told the PaCT (Police and Community Together) meeting: “It’s been spectacular, the work done by police and the council. It has been so much better.”

Another said: “The police should be congratulated for all their hard work.”

However, officers stressed that it was was still important for residents to report any incidents they find.

Police Community Support Officer Rahim Ahmed said: “If we don’t get reports we won’t attend and can’t do anything.”

They also reassured residents that though they were winding down the patrols they would still be monitoring the situation.

PCSO Ahmed, who chaired the meeting, added: “We are not attending every day anymore. We have not had many reports from that area. We believe the issue is resolved in that area but if it comes back, so will we. This does not mean we will ignore the area, and won’t still be patrolling, It’s still part of our patch. At the moment it is not part of our priority.”

The area has several hostels.