A NEW city patrol team which aims to crack down on antisocial behaviour in Southampton has just swung into action.

The six-strong team will try to ensure the city's streets, parks and open spaces are safer and cleaner by dealing with issues such as dog fouling, abandoned vehicles, graffiti and fly-posting.

The uniformed team are on hand during and outside normal office hours to deter nuisance behaviour citywide.

A vital part of their role includes a good understanding of local problems, who to contact to help resolve difficulties and working closely with other council colleagues such as cleansing, the grounds maintenance team, environmental health officers and neighbourhood wardens.

The new team patrols the city in vans, on foot or by bicycle and works closely with the city's Antisocial Behaviour Team, providing a co-ordinated response and tackling antisocial behaviour in all its guises.

The Antisocial Behaviour team, supported by the police, has tactical responsibility for targeting disorder "hot spots" and known serious and persistent offenders involved in nuisance behaviour.

The new city patrol team's role includes:

Providing a uniformed presence citywide

Patrolling the city's streets, parks and open spaces

Issuing fixed penalty £50 fines for litter and dog fouling offences

Dealing with eco-crime issues such as graffiti, abandoned cars, fly-posting and rubbish dumping

Intervening in low level antisocial behaviour

Responding to nuisance behaviour complaints

Promoting responsible citizenship through education and enforcement

Supporting neighbourhood wardens

Fostering stronger links with local groups and residents

Providing a visible presence to help the public access council services.

Cabinet member for environment and transport Jill Baston said: "With the two teams working closely together we can maximise the key priorities of improving the environment and community safety, as well as reducing crime and disorder."