New ideas for projects to tackle problems facing the Castle Circus area of Torquay are to go out to full public consultation in February.

Outline proposals to address such issues as drunkenness, drug misuse, homelessness and public safety concerns have been drawn up following a "Solutions" event held at Torquay Town Hall.

Now, Torbay Council, the police and partner agencies have decided to seek views from the public before firming up a long term action plan.

Council Leader Chris Harris, who has been appointed 'Champion' for the Castle Circus Problem-Solving Group, said: 'We are determined to drive down anti-social behaviour. We agreed last summer that whilst it is effective in the short term, enforcement by the police is not the complete answer. It is essential we address the underlying problems, and we feel we are making positive progress.'

Sergeant Sarah Passmore, Chair of the Castle Circus Problem-Solving Group and Torbay Community Safety Officer for Devon & Cornwall Constabulary, said: 'The most important stage now is to consult formally with the wider public and residents living in Castle Circus and surrounding communities. We are now at a stage where we can say these are all the problems and issues that have been identified to date and these are the solutions that have been suggested - what do you think? What have we missed? What would you suggest? What are your priorities for yourself and your family and your community?

'Only when we have consulted fully with the public can the Group consider the actions and solutions to take forward.'

Chief Inspector Carl Langley, Torbay Police Commander, has ensured a high profile police presence in the area with police officers adopting a zero tolerance approach, taking positive action at every opportunity to deal with incidents and offences. In addition, a town centre police team was created in September 2003 which comprised four police officers headed by Sergeant Stuart Gilroy. This team has had a very positive effect on the area during its operation, with over 87 arrests in 12 weeks.

Sgt Gilroy said: 'We have been very effective in Castle Circus by targeting problem areas and using different methods to specifically detect drug and alcohol related offences. A large proportion of our 87 arrests have been for offences relating to Class A drugs, such as possession with intent to supply heroin.'

Alison Parnell, Community Safety Co-ordinator for Torbay Council, said: 'It has been agreed by the Problem-Solving Group that enforcement in isolation is not the solution. Without working together to maximise all the different agencies resources to the benefit of the community the longer-term aim of a safer Castle Circus will be impossible to achieve. This style of working is still new to some agencies and does take time to achieve, for example changing the way an organisation works does not happen overnight.'

It is hoped that the community consultation will take place at the beginning of February. The dates and venues will be fully publicised to ensure everyone has the opportunity to attend. Progress of the agreed actions will then take place.

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