SWANSEA'S High Street has seen a drop in drunken and yobbish behaviour and things are getting better all the time.
That is the verdict from businesses and traders on the street who say the decrease in antisocial behaviour is down to more police officers patrolling the blighted area.
Rashed Aziz, co-manager of the Lifestyle Express convenience store, said things had greatly improved for businesses since Christmas.
"Since then there has been more of a police presence on the street and the trouble and the stealing we get in the shop has gone down a lot," he said.
"Before they used to hang around in gangs outside the shop and they don't do that any more.
"And even when they do hang around, they see officers coming and they disperse quickly."
Mr Rashed said the increased presence of officers was a welcome relief.
"The police are on the street most of the day every day now," he said.
" They can be seen patrolling up and down," he said.
"The patrols are really making a difference to the area. It has definitely had an impact and traders are really pleased.
"But there are still problems in High Street and the banning orders only temporarily solve the problem — these people need jobs to keep them out of trouble.
"But it has been much better because of the high presence of police. We just want that continue from now on."
Police have issued nearly 200 temporary banning notices in the city centre during the past seven weeks. The orders, called section 27 notices, can be issued by officers if they believe there is a risk of alcohol-related violence or disorder.
Since January 12, officers have issued a total of 197 banning orders, with 124 of those handed out on High Street.
Andrew Smith, assistant manager at the Up and Running sport shop said he had also noticed a decrease in bad behaviour.
"The antisocial behaviour on the street has certainly been less frequent," he said.
"I have seen the police every day and most evenings in the past few weeks. Just having them walk up and down stops antisocial such behaviour and helps people feel safer.
"Some of the problems on High Street won't easily be solved and some of the things that go on here will take a long time to change.
"But the increased police presence can only be a good thing.
"We had one officer pop into the shop just before Christmas and he told us they were trying to make much of the street feel safer."
robert.goodman@swwmedia.co.uk
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