Alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour is making Winchester city centre a "no-go area" at night for many residents, according to an ex-policeman.

Derek Harper, who lives with his wife in a city centre retirement community, is calling for civic chiefs to take steps to "return the city centre to the majority", instead of promoting a night-time economy.

The former policeman turned social worker wants more police on the streets to crackdown on antisocial behaviour. He also wants more facilities for youngsters who, he says, have little to do other than under-age drinking in pubs and parks.

Mr Harper (71), who was a constable based in Winchester, until he changed careers, claims the city centre is "almost lawless and certainly a no-go area for citizens and visitors of all ages sometimes during the daytime, but especially during weekend evenings when the unwise who try to walk our streets face the possibility of violence and intimidation."

The pensioner says that many of his elderly neighbours shared his fears and said all they wanted was to live out their retirement in an environment in which they did not "feel intimidated, threatened and virtually besieged in their own homes."

Mr Harper rejects the argument that fear of crime is greater than the reality, pointing out there had recently been a fatal drugs overdose and alleged rape in public toilets next to Abbey Gardens.

"During the past 12 months, we have experienced escalating incidents of antisocial behaviour during the day and at night. A general concern is over groups of intoxicated young people weaving their way home after the pubs have closed.

"The noise of shouting, screaming and bottles breaking serves as a regular disruption to our sleep. This is almost bearable, but it is often accompanied by random acts of wanton vandalism en route. Windows are smashed, wrought-iron fences are ripped from their moorings and dumped, wonderful floral borders and displays, especially in Abbey Gardens, are regularly uprooted and trashed.

"Running battles between rival gangs often result in skirmishes, which are frightening and which impact on innocent citizens and visitors."

Added Mr Harper: "One steps into the city with trepidation on Saturday and Sunday mornings, often having to negotiate broken glass, blood and vomit not to mention the copious amounts of 'fast food' litter.

"In the daytime, Abbey Gardens are often taken over by groups of youths seeking trouble and who have often deterred visitors from enjoying the relaxing atmosphere; toddlers have been turned away from their play park by adolescents wishing to 'hang out'."

Responding, Winchester's police chief, Insp Steve France-Sargeant, said: "Of course we sympathise and empathise with those who feel they are suffering in the city and I would like to assure them that we are doing all we can to address the issue.

"We will continue to do everything in our power to resolve this area of concern but we must keep this in perspective. Winchester is an extremely safe place to live and work, as recent crime figures released for the county show. Burglary levels in Hampshire are among the lowest in the country and there's good news, too, on vehicle crime, which has seen a reduction of 6% in thefts of and from vehicles.

"Patrols in the city centre have already been increased on a Friday and Saturday evening. We have also mobilised the use of the community safety CCTV equipped vehicle to deter those intent on committing crime and I have sought the support of licensees by sending letters to all city-centre premises highlighting the responsibility of those in control of licensed premises, which has been met with a favoured response.

"We will continue to pursue those who flout licensing regulations in supplying drink to minors and those already in drink. Proposals for bylaws banning alcohol consumption in certain areas of the city are also with the council and have the full support of the police."