The police, Council and businesses in Richmond town centre have developed an action plan, which will involve more uniform patrols, to tackle the antisocial behaviour and violence that blights the area during the summer.

Last year, a series of police dispersal orders - covering the whole of Richmond town centre and riverside, extending down through Twickenham and Teddington to Kingston – were established.

This gave officers the powers to break up groups of youths and send them out of the area under threat of being arrested.

Previously, residents in central Richmond have been so alarmed by the constant threat that they have actively investigated bringing in private uniform patrols based on paying a monthly subscription.

Last year the police established 'dispersal zones' to head off trouble (Credit Metropolitan Police)

Richmond Park MP, Sarah Olney, has set up a petition calling for the re-establishment of a police station in the centre of the town, which has the support of community groups.

The Council is promising some more immediate action following consultation with the local police, businesses, residents and community groups through what is known as the 'Community Safety Partnership'.

It is understood the new approach will involve a greater uniformed officer presence, whether this is the police or the private Parkguard teams, who are private contractors employed by the Council.

Separately, Be Richmond, who are funded by town centre businesses to tackle shoplifting and other crime, have their own uniformed security team.

A Council spokesman told Nub News: "Following complaints of crime and ASB received from residents who live around the Richmond Green area, the Council is working with its partners including Richmond Police, Achieving for Children and Street Pastors, to co-ordinate a targeted approach in the area to address the concerns of the local community."

Large groups gather on Richmond Green on Friday evenings in the summer

The approach includes:

* Officers across the partnership working together to monitor, understand and respond to the concerns raised.

* The police providing a visible presence over the summer months as most of the incidents were seasonal and taking place when the weather was better.

At the same time there are plans to get the residents involved in activities that will help the area feel safe and well cared for, including community litter picks.

The Community Safety Partnership will monitor the local area and crime and ASB trends, providing regular feedback to the local community. The plan is reviewed alongside reports received to ensure we are responding to the issues that arise. This summer, there will continue to be a partnership focus on the area, with the relevant interventions being reviewed and implemented.