A crackdown on anti-social behaviour has been voted through by Epsom and Ewell borough councillors.

They approved three principles to increase the council’s role in tackling nuisance: better co-ordination between council teams, more contact with other organisations like Surrey Police and the Home Office, and more enforcement action, especially targeting persistent offenders.

Councillor Eber Kington, chairman of the Strategy and Resources Committee, which voted on the measures, said: “We understand the frustration and upset that can be caused by nuisance and anti-social behaviour and we are determined to confront those that are having a detrimental effect on the quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors in the town.

“These are important issues for local people and by tackling them, we also aim to see the reduction of more serious crime.”

Although the borough is one of the safest in the country, the council believes there is scope to do more to curb anti-social behaviour.

The law gives anti-social behaviour the vague definition of: “Acting in a manner that caused or was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household as (the defendant)”.

Council officers highlighted in a report increases in noise complaints and concerns about fly tipping.

Cllr Kington also issued a reminder to residents that they can help deal with anti-social behaviour by reporting it to the council.