RESIDENTS on Portland have reported communities being ‘blighted by anti-social behaviour’ with the town council set to discuss concerns over drugs, violence and intimidation.

The issues will be discussed at Portland Town Council’s full council meeting on Wednesday, February 15 after the council received a number of complaints from residents.

Doors being kicked, chips pushed through letter boxes, and the use of drugs are just some of the incidents that residents say have created “an atmosphere of fear”.

One of the complaints, which has been included as part of Portland Town Council’s meeting agenda, said: “Young people often congregate in and around the brightly lit facade of (house number), more so inside in the cold weather. We appreciate that there are few places on the Isle for young people to meet with their friends and associates. 

“However these young people, shout, swear and when outside of (house number) on the pavement do not respect passing pedestrians nor their proximity to the adjoining dwellings.  Which is intimidating to be met with a group of young people predominantly dressed in black with the hoods of the coats up and scarves covering their faces. 

“Windows have been knocked on the row of cottages in which (house number) is located and as we are sure you are aware the antisocial behaviour escalated to the point of a polystyrene container of chips and tomato sauce was put through a letter box.”

Another reported ‘shouting and screaming’ at the bus stop opposite the address but praised PC Taylor for ‘positive engagement with the young people who are causing so much angst amongst residents’.

Two complaints were received regarding Easton Gardens: with one resident noting ‘considerable disruption with screams and swearing, involving alcohol and sometimes drugs’ whilst another reported seeing a girl being ‘kicked and beaten’.

At the meeting, to be held from 7pm at the Portland Community Venue, councillors will hear a neighbourhood policing report by PC Billy Taylor, who will outline the force’s response to the complaints.

In the agenda for the upcoming meeting, PC Taylor writes: "Portland Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) is aware of several members of the public reporting youth anti-social behaviour (ASB), especially around Easton Gardens. 

“With Portland NPT being a small team, when we cannot attend, or are not on duty, we are reliant on Weymouth NPT, or Weymouth response assisting, if they are available.”

Dorset Police has been approached for comment. Cllr Pete Roper, mayor of Portland, said he would comment after the meeting and encouraged residents to attend.