EXTRA security guards have been hired to patrol the city centre as part of a crackdown on antisocial behaviour after worried businesses raised concerns about “intimidating” gangs of youths causing a nuisance.

The safety measures were introduced by Worcester BID to reassure the public following reports of large gangs of youths intimidating the public and threatening other youths.

While the trouble has been caused throughout the city centre, Worcester BID said much of the problems were taking place in well-known crime and anti-social behaviour hotspots such as McDonalds, The Cross, Foregate Street, St Martin’s Quarter and Crowngate shopping centre.

READ MORE: Exact location of new Worcester secondary school is revealed

Worcester BID, which funded the extra security, said it had been made aware from its affiliated shops and businesses of large groups from Worcester – as well as surrounding towns such as Pershore, Droitwich, Evesham and Malvern – “intimidating the public [and] making threats to other young people … as well as causing significant nuisance and disorder across the city centre.”

BID chief executive Sam McCarthy said: “We acted following concerns from our members by funding six security operatives over the half term period only, to support with public engagement and the increased footfall due to Light Night festival. 

“The results from working together as a partnership has seen numbers in anti-social behaviour numbers reduce successfully.”

READ MORE: new crematorium in Worcester could be part of plans in Astwood study

The added security was brought in for the half-term break at the end of February to coincide with the city centre hosting the annual Light Night festival.

Making sure the city remains safe for residents and visitors is a key part of the ‘Purple Flag’ status which the city was granted last year – which means Worcester is among the country’s safest and most vibrant night-time locations.

READ MORE: Survey reopened to find new play areas to tackle Worcester's shortage

Purple Flag accreditation is similar to the Green Flag award for parks and the Blue Flag for beaches and is awarded to towns and city centres that meet or surpass the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy.

Worcester BID works alongside several other partners to try and curb anti-social behaviour in the city centre.

Inspector Tanya Beckett from West Mercia Police said: “Our officers and staff in Worcester have worked closely alongside our partners at Worcester BID, Worcester City Council and Crowngate Shopping Centre to support the agreed strategy developed to reduce anti-social behaviour in Worcester city centre.

“This also provided extra visibility and reassurance to the public during the expected higher foot fall in the city during the light night event.”