CIVIC chiefs in Winchester have set about turning around the reputation of its local parks and open spaces.

City council bosses have launched a new summer campaign aimed at getting more city residents back into its recreation grounds and play areas.

The joint campaign is being run in partnership with Hampshire police in a bid to improve the perception of the parks in summer when they are used by the most people.

Having started the drive at the start of the summer the Winchester Community Safety Partnership (WCSP), made up of local council bodies and police, is now hoping to drive the message home as the campaign draws to a close at the end of this month.

Members of the WCSP have already been involved in the campaign even holding a “street brief” in Orams Arbour following concerns from residents.

Staff from the city council, county council and police were on hand to find out what people thought of the area and what could be done to reduce crime.

Following the meeting, the council have removed graffiti from a children’s play area, a new sign has been ordered telling people the park is to be used by under-12s only and maintenance is being done on trees in the surrounding arbour.

Councillor Lucille Thompson, Portfolio Holder for Active Communities, said: “In order for WCSP to tackle antisocial behaviour effectively, it is important that we work with local communities to gain a greater understanding of the problems being experienced at a local level and events like this enable us to do just that”.

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight police said of the campaign: “Hampshire Constabulary is very pleased to be working so closely with our partner agencies in tackling antisocial behaviour across the Winchester area.

“We always encourage the opinions and thoughts of the local community as it helps us build a more accurate picture of where ASB is happening and what measures we can put in place to prevent it.

“As part of the summer long antisocial behaviour campaign we will continue to target known hotspot areas across Winchester, dealing robustly and efficiently with those found to be causing a disruption to the local community.”

Anyone who has concerns about crime or antisocial behaviour can contact the city council at communitysafety@winchester.

gov.uk or call 01962 848 423.