Colchester Council is continuing to ramp up its efforts to confront antisocial behaviour and litter problems in the city.

The coordinated efforts have included increased police patrols, litter clean-ups, and a drive aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour incidents.

The council has assisted police with arrests and patrols, and responded to situations involving drunk members of the public with the help of the SOS Bus.

Several penalty charge notices for parking offences have been issued, along with 80 fixed penalty notices to vehicles breaching a public space protection order at Severalls Industrial Estate.

On June 6, council wardens and volunteers focused efforts on Colchester Leisure World Skate Park.

Activities included litter-picking, repainting and clearing overgrown areas, making the area safer and more welcoming, in a bid to reduce antisocial behaviour.

Council communities boss Natalie Sommers said: "Collaboration with partners and our focus on reducing antisocial behaviour is always a top priority, with our multiple days of action throughout the year cementing our commitment to tackling antisocial behaviour in Colchester."

The council also initiated a 'Night of Action' in Colchester High Street where multiple organisations worked together to deal with antisocial behaviour and reassure the public.

More recently, the A12 was tackled to reduce roadside litter, with staff taking advantage of overnight road closures to clear a significant amount of waste.

The council cleared more than 1,150 pounds of litter from the A12 road.

Martin Goss, council portfolio holder for waste and neighbourhood services, said: "Addressing attitudes around littering is one of the council’s main priorities.

"As well as helping to clean local areas, it also helps raise awareness to discourage littering in the first place.

"These two elements reflect both our community and our individual responsibilities.

"The council and its partners will continue to work hard to change attitudes and reduce littering."

The council confirmed its commitment to holding regular action days to tackle antisocial behaviour and street clean-ups.

Residents have been encouraged to report any cases of antisocial behaviour, as well as incidents of litter, graffiti, fly-tipping and dog fouling, at colchester.gov.uk.