SEXUAL harassment is turning into a growing problem in the borough’s streets, according to a senior councillor.

Cllr Jeannette Alexander, cabinet member for justice and communities, said more women were going to councillors’ surgeries to complain about the problem.

She has urged both affected women and witnesses to report unacceptable and loutish behaviour to police.

Cllr Alexander said: “This is an issue that is increasingly coming up and is worrying. No-one deserves to be sexually harassed.

“The harassment ranges from vulgar comments and gestures to physical intimidation. It is happening far too frequently in our borough and it has to stop.”

She believes the behaviour is linked to drinking and demanded the problem be “rooted out”.

Anyone who has become the victim of sexual harassment, or has witnessed it, should contact the police on 0300 123 1212, Stop Hate UK on freephone 0800 1381625 or the council’s community safety team on 020 8215 3010. In an emergency always dial 999.

Borough Commander Ch Supt Matt Bell said: “We expect everyone in our community to treat others with respect. I would urge residents to report this kind of behaviour and, where it is safe to do so, challenge it.”