Wiltshire Council considering Public Spaces Protection Order for Trowbridge town centre
It follows reports of persistent anti-social behaviour (ASB) and crime in Trowbridge town centre
Wiltshire Council is considering introducing of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Trowbridge town centre after concerns about anti-social behaviour and crime.
Reports and information from Wiltshire Police and local partners, which have identified Fore Street and surrounding town centre areas as hotspots for anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.
A PSPO, governed by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, offers local authorities the ability to address recurring anti-social behaviour affecting local communities.
Current PSPOs are operational in areas of Wiltshire including Salisbury and Devizes.
Evidence from Wiltshire Police highlights significant issues such as street drinking, drug misuse, retail theft, aggressive behaviour, public order offences, criminal damage, and group-based anti-social behaviour.
The council say these have had a significant impact on local businesses, residents and visitors, contributing to concerns about safety and the overall environment within the town centre.
Data from the most recent three-month period also showed that one in five crimes was linked to alcohol or drugs.
The PSPO could impose restrictions on activities like:
- Alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and street drinking;
- Drug use and associated paraphernalia;
- Aggressive begging;
- Anti-social conduct causing harassment, alarm or distress;
- Public urination and defecation;
- Littering associated with alcohol, drug use and waste likely to attract rodents.
Anyone found breaching the order could be issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice.
A public consultation on the plans is open until 25th October and residents, businesses and visitors can share their views on the council website.
arah Valdus, Wiltshire Council Director for Public Protection, said: "Everyone should be able to enjoy town centres, particularly our county town, without experiencing anti-social behaviour or feeling unsafe.
"We know these issues can have a significant impact on residents, businesses and visitors, and we have been working closely with Wiltshire Police, Trowbridge Town Council and other partners to address concerns.
"A Public Spaces Protection Order would provide additional powers to tackle some of the most persistent issues affecting the town centre, but it is important that we hear the views of local people before any decision is made.
"I would encourage residents, businesses and anyone who regularly visits Trowbridge to take part in the consultation and share their views. A PSPO is a useful tool if brought in, but we’ll continue to work with relevant partners to identify long-term solutions to some of the problems we’re seeing."
Neighbourhood Sergeant Gemma Rutter from Wiltshire Police said: "We know that antisocial behaviour in the town centre has a significant impact on residents, shoppers and local businesses, and we are working closely with our partners at Wiltshire Council to identify the most effective long-term solutions.
"One avenue being explored is a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) which, if introduced, would provide officers with additional powers to proactively target antisocial behaviour within a designated area.
"The order could help us tackle a range of concerns, including street drinking, drug-related activity, retail crime, public order offences and criminal damage, all of which have a detrimental effect on the wider community.
“I would encourage the public to engage in the consultation and share their views.”
The council has experience of implementing PSPOs elsewhere in Wiltshire where there has been evidence of persistent anti-social behaviour affecting local communities.
Orders are currently in operation in Salisbury, Devizes, and Downton and Redlynch.
Wiltshire Council say these have provided an additional enforcement tool, alongside existing partnership work, helping agencies address behaviours that cause harassment, alarm and distress while protecting the ability of the public to enjoy shared spaces.