Salisbury will have 10 new police officers in place by September, City Council Leaders have been told.

The news follows a meeting between city councillors and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire, Philip Wilkinson, to raise concerns about anti-social behaviour.

The meeting was also attended by Chief Inspector Simon Cowdrey and Inspector Tina Osborn.

Among concerns raised were the recent incidents at Culver Street car park. However, it appeared unlikely that the police would seek a full closure order for the car park.

The councillors asked to be kept in the loop as the force plans its response to the problems at the site with Wiltshire Council.

While the councillors welcomed the news that Wiltshire is now rated the top force in the country for disrupting county lines drug gangs, they will push for Wiltshire Council to reinstate a Public Space Protection Order around the city centre with the aim of reducing anti-social behaviour.

The City Council is currently working with the Salisbury Business Improvement District and other city partners to apply for Safer Streets funding when the next tranche of government money is released.

During the meeting, Mr Wilkinson explained the force’s new streamlined command structure, and confirmed that as well as the extra officers, he is about to start recruiting more PCSOs. Negotiations about police station sites are ongoing with no commitment being made to any particular location.

Cllr Annie Riddle, a member of the city administration alongside Cllr Victoria Charleston and Cllr Ian Tomes, said: “We are delighted to hear about these extra officers. We take anti-social behaviour very seriously and are keen to play our part with partners in tackling it.

“This was a very constructive meeting. The city leaders have built a good understanding with the commissioner through regular meetings in person, and it was helpful to have senior officers present on this occasion, too.”