Ticket touts operating during this year’s Wimbledon Tennis championship fortnight are being targeted as part of a consultation launched by the council.

The 16-day consultation on a Dispersal Zone in Wimbledon town centre, Wimbledon Park and Southfields, was launched last week and opinions are being sought by Merton Council’s anti-social behaviour team until June 15.

Subject to the consultation, the police and the council have powers to disperse groups if a senior officer has grounds for believing members of the public are being intimidated or harassed.

Claire Cuffey, from Merton Council, said: “Touts are known to cause harassment, alarm and distress to residents in the area and visitors to the tournament.

“It is known they gain money by fraudulent means. Our objective is to reduce the ticket touts ability to cause anti social behaviour and ensure our residents and visitors feel safe in Merton and Wandsworth.”

For more information contact Ms Cuffey on 0208 274 5972 or email: claire.cuffie@merton.gov.uk.

Have you ever been harassed or intimidated by a tout while on your way to the tennis? Leave a comment below, call 020 8722 6335 or email: ooakes@london.newsquest.co.uk.