A petition signed by hundreds of residents has called on Stoke-on-Trent City Council to take action over a street plagued by drug dealing and antisocial behaviour.

The petition demands more CCTV cameras and better lighting on Weston Road, in Meir.

The petition was started by Cllr Lauren Davison following numerous reports from residents.

In total it was signed by 599 people across Meir and under council rules it was discussed at the housing, regeneration and operations overview and scrutiny committee at the city council.

Addressing the committee Cllr Davison said: "In recent months residents have been telling me that they feel quite unsafe on Weston Road.

"Antisocial behaviour and crime seems to be on the rise, or that's how they perceive it.

"Lots of business owners have experienced shoplifting, burglaries and some businesses have left as a result, which is not good in the current climate.

"My petition asks for some practical measures, CCTV, alley gates and streetlighting. Things to design out crime so people feel safer."

The committee heard some work had already taken place including increased patrols and the issuing of community protection notices. 

A council officer told the committee that early action was already showing results.

They said: "Since the start of September in that area antisocial behaviour has reduced by 21.4 per cent and overall crime by 17.3 per cent.

"So I think some of that work has already gone on in that area and hopefully has made an impact."

The petition was supported by neighbouring councillor, Ross Irving, who said: "I'm fully supportive of what you are doing, anything the council can do to improve the situation in Meir centre.

"It is affecting trade, it is affecting the business community."

The committee asked for a further update once all improvement work had been completed to assess its full impact.