A petition launched by Meir North councillor Lauren Davison aiming to tackle anti-social behaviour on Weston Road in Meir is gaining traction.

It comes after a high-profile incident on the street earlier this month where Staffordshire Police made two arrests after officers were assaulted.

In recent months there have also been several other incidents on the road including a man exposing himself to drivers, a cannabis grow found by police across two flats and a 50-year-old man arrested after aggression towards pedestrians.

Now the petition calls for more CCTV, new alley gates and a more visible police presence. It has been signed by more than 500 residents at present.

The petition states: "Weston Road is Meir's main high street. Children walk it to school. Residents use it daily to shop and get around. But things have taken a turn for the worse. People should not have to feel unsafe on their own high street.

"Yet today, Weston Road is plagued by rising anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, shoplifting, and intimidation. 

"Residents feel on edge. Businesses are suffering. Some are preparing to leave altogether.

"Drug use and dealing are out of control, drawing more crime into the area. Even the police have been assaulted when responding to incidents.

"Enough is enough. Weston Road belongs to the people of Meir – not to criminals"

The petition is calling for alley gates to limit access between Nisa and Smith's Buildings which is a known hotspot for activity.

Residents report that the space has been used for public urination and that people feel unsafe due to the activities that go on in that area.

Council rules state that petitions with over 1000 signatures will be debated at a full council meeting, if less than a relevant committee at the council will consider the matter.

The petition has gained support from Stoke-on-Trent South MP Allison Gardner who has spoken to concerned residents about the issue.

The MP said: "I have spoken to many concerned residents and business owners on Weston Road, and I know how important it is to them that their main high street feels safe again. They rightly expect their children to be able to walk to school safely and to visit local shops without fear of antisocial behaviour.

"While I understand this is a complex issue, Cllr Davison's petition offers a clear path forward and is an important step in the right direction. That's why I fully support the petition and the action it calls for."

The petition can be found here.