Godalming town councillors have agreed to back Waverley's plans to adopt new legal powers to tackle anti-social behaviour in Godalming and Farncombe - despite some dissent over the wording of their recommendation.

The town council had set up a working group to look at the proposal at its last meeting, despite being urged by Cllr Steve Cosser to approve the plan immediately.

But Cllr Cosser told last week's full council meeting that he could not support the document produced by the working group.

"When this matter last came to Council the Conservative group were quite clear that the document that had been prepared [by Waverley] was something that was long-awaited and was an entirely acceptable and proportionate document," he said.

He criticised the new draft document, which, he said, "took a swipe" at Government policy and cuts in funding.

"The only thing of relevance and interest in this document was the comment from [Police Sergeant] Claire Sutherland, that says that anybody going about their ordinary, lawful business will have nothing to worry about," he said.

Describing some of the changes as "a nonsense", he added: "As far as we are concerned this exercise, as we thought it would be, is not necessary, is inappropriate, and there is material in here which is not relevant."

"Everyone that has spoken to me has been clamouring for something like this for a long time and I don't think they will want to see it tramelled by sections about 'freedom of expression'.

Leader Paul Follows said: "I obviously support the order, and I am very glad we have had a discussion at Godalming Town Council. I will support the comments when it comes forward for decision at Waverley, where I will be voting for this order."

And Steve Williams added: "The draft document wasn't appropriate as it stood. As a result of the deliberations of a number of our colleagues we have an amended document, something that is both appropriate and measured."

The document, he said, made reference to lack of provision for young people, which had contributed to the bad behaviour seen in the area.

Plans for a youth strategy to provide activities and support for young people had been held back because of the pandemic, he said.

And he added: "This measure has come at a time when this increasingly authoritarian Government, intent on reducing the right to protest, is bringing to Parliament a Bill which could severely restrict the right to protest. I do not wish our PSPO to be part of this draconian approach of our current government."

Adam Duce said the work of the focus group had given the document "clarity".

Anne Marie Rosoman said the discussions had enabled the group to consider the concerns of Milford and Witley residents who were worried the bad behaviour could be pushed out to their areas once the order takes effect. "That's local democracy," she said.

Chris Neill described Cllr Cosser's remarks as "an assault on people taking their responsibilities seriously".

"People's right to demonstrate is being safeguarded," he said. "We're not scoring political points by talking about the need for provision for youth. We don't want to normalise this kind of solution to these kinds of problems."

And Alex Adam described the original draft as "sloppy and inaccurate, "and in some cases it's wrong," he said.

"The rigour has meant the draft being considered at Waverley will be accurate and transparent."

Councillors voted 15-3 in support of the redrafted document, which will now be considered by Waverley.