A NEW task force has been set up in Dawlish to help tackle anti-social behaviour.

The formation of the Anti-social Behaviour Task and Finish Group comes after complaints from residents about incidents including criminal damage, graffiti and unruly behaviour.

The six strong group will be aiming to investigate current anti-social behaviour issues in Dawlish and explore effective responses.

The councillors will then look to present costed, practical recommendations to the town council in September.

But the council is also urging members of the public to report any incidents.

Recent incidents have been reported at the Manor Gardens play park where broken glass and human excrement were found while a picnic bench was also set alight.

The group’s objectives are to define the types and extent of anti-social behaviour affecting the area and engage with community and police to gather evidence and views.

It will also be assessing the viability of a monitored CCTV scheme including the cost, management and compliance such as data protection.

The feasibility of establishing a street warden or community patrol initiative will also be looked into.

The group will then report its findings and recommendations to the town council as a whole for further action.

A town council spokesman said: ‘Working together with other organisations, the working group hopes to formulate a plan to tackle antisocial behaviour in the parish.

‘As a starter, they would like to urge anyone who has seen or experienced anti-social behaviour to report it using the official links below.

‘Without logging occurrences of anti-social behaviour, there are no records to show it happened or indicate that there is a need for more enforcement.’

Chairing the group is councillor Colin Jolliffe with vice-chairman Cllr Scott Williams.

The group can be contacted at [email protected]