SPEEDING cars and antisocial behaviour have been made priority action areas for Portishead’s police team.

People attending a PACT (Partners and Communities Together) meeting on Thursday agreed unanimously on the priorities after hearing about car crashes in Bristol Road, unruly youths at the marina and fears of antisocial behaviour in anticipation of Halloween and bonfire night.

Bristol Road residents Barbara Bennett and Janet Durbin, who have both had their parked cars badly damaged by passing vehicles, called for traffic-calming measures to be installed. They say they fear someone will be injured if speed restrictions are not enforced on the busy road.

Police officers said they will step-up patrols in the area and discuss the matter with North Somerset Council.

People living in Port Marine complained about teenagers gathering at the Viaggio sculpture near to the marina, drinking alcohol, making too much noise and leaving masses of rubbish in the area. While the police say they already patrol the site regularly, their presence will now be increased.

There were also calls for action to stop youngsters becoming a nuisance on the streets around Halloween and Guy Fawkes night. In addition to police clamping down on unacceptable behaviour, PCSOs will be visiting schools to talk to young people about safety at this time of year.

Sergeant Jim Robinson said he and his team would implement the priorities, increasing patrols and vigilance. He also reported there had been a positive outcome on the priorities agreed at the previous PACT meeting. Residents had asked for the area around the footpath linking Slade Road to Downside and Rippleside to be made a priority and, as a result, no calls relating to antisocial behaviour in this area had been received in recent weeks.

Portishead PACT is currently seeking a chairman. Anyone interested in getting involved should attend the next meeting. It takes place at The Folk Hall in High Street at 7pm on November 22.