An increase in anti-social behaviour in Stevenage could be tackled with a cash boost from the borough council.

A new role will be created using almost £39,000 of grant funding to reduce the amount of bad behaviour in the town centre.

A report from an overview and scrutiny committee said crimes have risen month on month since April 2014.

The money will come from the New Homes Bonus scheme for 2015/2016 and more than £760,000 could be used to carry out improvements to the town if councillors agree.

Among these is the No More Project which aims to reduce street drinking in the town centre and has been awarded £40,000, while £170,000 will be spent on cleaning and replacing litter and dog poo bins.

Almost £165,000 will go towards town centre regeneration and will be used to make repairs, repaint railings at the bus station and on the ramp to the leisure centre, and for the preparation of a draft design for the future of the town centre.

A new domestic abuse co-ordinator post will also be created with the funds.

They will work to secure long term funding for pilot projects working with victims of domestic abuse in Stevenage.

Cash will also go towards the Women’s Tour cycling race.

The plans will now go before the executive and full council meetings for members to give their feedback.