EFFORTS to tackle aggressive street begging and drug dealing in the town centre have been welcomed after a consultation.

Reading Borough Council proposed introducing Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) after receiving a number of complaints of anti-social behaviour.

The majority of residents and interested groups, including Thames Valley Police, felt begging in particular was a 'very big problem' in Reading.

As a result of the consultation, a revised PSPO will be enforced throughout the Borough, restricting aggressive begging and the sale of magazines which are already free.

Councillor Liz Terry, lead member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Reading’s excellent range of shopping, leisure and entertainment facilities attracts visitors from far and wide but, like every big town, our success also brings with it some problems of anti-social behaviour.

“It is important that we tackle these issues for the benefit of our residents, visitors and those who work in Reading.

“The orders proposed are aimed at dealing with the problems which are often raised as areas of concern by residents to the council and police."

Drug taking and street dealing had already been identified as a concern following a recent survey, with 89 cases reported to police last year.

One of the responses to this part of the consultation added: "We as a business are constantly having to clear up needles by certain buildings in Reading and it's just so dangerous and awful.

"Unfortunately with this type of activity you also get crime and we constantly have to invest in more CCTV."

Although there was support for cracking down on begging and drug supply, issues such as busking were not seen as urgent.

Designated Public Place Orders have been in place in some areas of the town for many years, but a change in legislation means these were automatically converted to PSPOs.

The consultation, which ended in January, also considered imposing restrictions on motorbike nuisance, street drinking and public urination.

Responsibility for enforcing the new orders will be shared between the council and Thames Valley Police.