Friends of Trowbridge Park said it is already seeing the benefits of efforts to make the park a safer and more welcoming place for visitors, thanks to the support of the police and town council.

Since the inauguration of the Friends earlier this year, the group has been working with the neigh-bourhood policing team and town council to reduce anti-social behaviour.

It is targeting the small minority of people who – fuelled by alcohol – intimidate visitors and engage in anti-social behaviour, littering and urinating in public areas.

Sharl Adabashi, chairman of the Friends, is confident the perception of the park is changing, following increased police patrols in the park and the combined efforts of town council staff and the Friends.

Mr Adabashi said: “The key to our success lies in a multi-agency approach, with the police maintaining a safe atmosphere at the heart of it.

“The area inspector, Chris Chammings, in particular has adopted a hands-on approach and by increasing the frequency of visits made by officers through the park.”

Repeat offenders have been served by the police with alcohol advisory letters, which explain that it is unacceptable to be drinking in public spaces if it leads to anti-social behaviour.

Insp Chammings said: “Crime in the town park is very low and by using both cycle and foot patrols to raise the visibility of policing, people can feel safe to come and use this amazing outdoor space.”