Cries from folk stuck in crime hotspots blighted by anti-social behaviour, drugs and street drinking have had their pleas answered.
Following a string of Safer Neighbourhood Action Panel (Snap) meetings across Norwich, police have revealed their priorities for the next three months.
This will include retail crime across the city, drug use and dealing, exploitation and anti-social behaviour in the eastern Mile Cross ward as well as street drinking and alcohol-related crime in Prince of Wales Road.
As reported in this newspaper last month, business bosses and staff were desperate for more police support in the city's nightlife district after regular anti-social behaviour problems had hit the area.
So the news has come as a relief to those associated with the affected areas.
Aidan Mahon, owner of Pogue Mahon's pub in Prince of Wales Road, said: "It's a fantastic thing and a step in the right direction.
"It seems like the area wasn't being policed anymore and crime increased for businesses.
"We shouldn't have to police the street ourselves - Prince of Wales should be cleaned up and immaculate.
"It's the main thoroughfare for any tourist coming into the city, so it has to be a priority for its image.
"Norwich is a beautiful city so you don't want people to have to go through the gauntlet - anything which helps sort out the area is only a good thing."
Ben Price, city councillor for Thorpe Hamlet and Green candidate for Norwich North at the next general election, added: "It’s excellent news because it's an issue what with the primary school there as well as being one of the main areas of the city which creates a first impression of Norwich for people arriving by train.
"So it would be good to see better investment there and for it to be a vibrant and positive part of the city."
Police have been called out to the area on multiple occasions in recent months - with one incident in February seeing officers respond to reports of a group of people fighting.
Last month sergeant Chris Clay, who regularly patrols the Prince of Wales area, said officers "have used a number of methods to address anti-social behaviour".
He added there were "a number of Criminal Behaviour Orders in place which allows us to prevent them entering specific shops".
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Recently in the Mile Cross area those suffering from anti-social behaviour, which left them too afraid to leave their home, were urged not to suffer in silence.
Olivia Taylor was subjected to abuse at her home in Markham Tower last month, by a man who threatened to stab her.
The 31-year-old said: "It's a good idea but there needs to be results which come from it because I'm not sure how it's going to be policed.
"I would also like the police to work closer with the council to crack down on these issues.
"Seeing more police patrolling the area will hopefully help because there's so much anti-social behaviour happening."
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Ally McClagish, who also lives in the Mile Cross area, attended the Snap meeting and added: "I've already heard people mentioning the increased police presence in the area which is encouraging.
"These issues are a never-ending problem and while it won't completely go away it's important people report it - which can be done anonymously - to help as well."
City councillor for Mile Cross, Vaughan Thomas, added: "It’s a hugely problematic issue and what’s going on needs to be addressed.
"My heart goes out to people experiencing anti-social behaviour where they live instead of feeling safe."
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