A CRACKDOWN on anti-social behaviour in the town centre has been launched.

Taunton Deane Borough Council is seeking views on crime within the town, with a view to making it a 'safe' environment.

Three questions are being asked by the council, which can be answered by anyone, to get an idea of how members of the public feel when visiting Taunton.

The review has been sparked by the Deane's Task and Finish Group, which hopes to take a broad look at the issues and identify possible solutions

Cllr Ian Morrell said: “We are all suffering problems due to crime and anti-social behaviour in Taunton.

"The public deserves better.

"We are therefore keen to engage with the public in order to ensure a safe environment for people to live, shop and trade.

"Experiences will prove invaluable in helping us to scrutinise organisations whose role it is to protect us.”

The questions are:

1) Have you been affected by crime and ASB in Taunton town centre?

2) Does crime and ASB effect how often you come into Taunton town centre?

3) Which crime and ASB issues in particular do you feel are the biggest problem?

The answers will be considered along with other evidence from organisations including town centre businesses, the police, community and voluntary organisations.

A spokesman for TDBC added:"The review is taking a broad look at the issues and their impact on residents, retailers, hospitals, shoppers and visitors. It is running independently of the Streetwise multi-agency effort, which has been established to minimise the causes and problems of rough sleeping, begging and anti-social behaviour.

"The Streetwise partners who include the council, the Police and health services have been working with individual rough sleepers to identify and address the issues of concern and develop a joined-up service to help them break the cycle of homelessness and addiction."

Anyone wishing to answer the questions can send their response to democraticservices@tauntondeane.gov.uk or by post to Democratic Services, Taunton Deane Borough Council, Deane House, Belvedere Road.

The feedback will then be discussed at a meeting on February 19.