Wiltshire Council criticised for snubbing anti

Council failed to join anti-social behaviour meeting A council has been criticised for not attending a multi-agency meeting aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour.

The meeting was set up by Wiltshire Police following concerns about drug taking, loud noises and fighting by some rough sleepers in the grounds of Salisbury Arts Centre.

Local residents and representatives from Salisbury City Council also attended the meeting on 23 September, during which concerns were also raised about the welfare of homeless people in the city.

Wiltshire Council said the invitation arrived "very late" and no officers were available to attend.

It added that it organises and attends "regular multi-agency meetings to discuss specific individual cases as well as rough sleeping issues that impact significantly on the community".

Salisbury resident, Jo Fotheringham, said she had heard "somebody screaming in pain" and seen "somebody collapsed over a canister of gas" while passing through the grounds of the art centre.

She added this had left her "feeling uncomfortable", fearing for her safety, whilst also worrying for the welfare of those concerned.

"It shouldn't be a police matter, it should be a social care matter - a multi-agency approach - but unfortunately Wiltshire Council weren't here (at the meeting) to give comment or insight into what they've done so far," Ms Fotheringham continued.

Salisbury City councillor, Victoria Charleston, said "it was great to see residents engaged" at the meeting, but added that it was a "disappointing space" because of Wiltshire Council's absence.

"The police explained what they're doing on the criminal side of things," she said.

"We (Salisbury City Council) explained what we're doing.

"Wiltshire Council have a responsibility to tell residents how they're keeping them safe.

"They missed the last meeting as well, residents deserve better."

John Glen, MP for Salisbury and South Wiltshire, also attended and said he was "keen to find practical solutions and support city council, the police and others".

He added that it was "unfortunate that there was nobody here (at the meeting) from Wiltshire Council to tell us what is going on to help the individuals".

Responding to the criticism, cabinet member for housing, Phil Alford, said: "The invitation came in very late in the day and unfortunately the council couldn't attend.

"The rough sleeper team have attended and organised multi-agency meetings in relation to the anti-social behaviour being experienced within the arts centre and a number of actions were agreed and followed up."