New measures to tackle 'aggressive begging' in Wakefield city centre
Officers could be allowed to issue £100 fines to persistent beggars in the city centre
New measures to tackle aggressive begging in Wakefield city centre look set to be introduced.
Senior councillors are expected to approve proposals to extend a public spaces protection order (PSPO) to give police and council officers more powers to target anti-social behaviour.
A PSPO was first introduced in the city centre in 2017 to clampdown on drinkers and drug users causing a nuisance to shoppers, residents and business owners.
Wakefield Council’s cabinet members have been asked to agree to extend the order to allow officers to issue £100 fines to people begging “in a manner which is aggressive or intimidating” or is “likely to cause someone to feel harassed, alarmed or distressed.”
The new order would also prohibit begging within ten metrewwwwwwwwwss of a cash or payment machine and restrict sitting or lying in the doorway of a business premises.
The proposed order also states: “Persons shall not erect tents or other temporary structures in any public place within the restricted area without the permission of the land owner.”
Officers would be given further powers to take action against anti-social use of skateboards, bicycles, scooters and rollerblades under the new plans.
Daniel Wilton, the council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “Everyone should feel safe in their local community.
“We won’t tolerate behaviour that harms our residents, businesses or visitors.
“That’s why we’re working hard with local partners to tackle anti-social behaviour.
“The PSPO is not about stopping activities that many of us enjoy, it’s about addressing persistent issues such as street drinking, drug use and erratic behaviour that negatively impact public spaces.”
A report also recommended that the area covered by the new order be expanded to include Westgate Leisure and Retail Park.
The extension of the order has been supported by West Yorkshire Police.
A report said: “The types of the anti-social behaviour and locations that are now being reported have changed and now differ from the types of behaviour and locations originally targeted by the initial PSPO.
“Such nuisance and anti-social activities have a significant detrimental effect on the quality of life and safety of those who live and work in Wakefield city centre.
“Limiting this type of behaviour allows the law-abiding public to thrive in Wakefield city centre.”
The order is likely to be in place for three years if it is approved at a meeting on November 18.
During the 2024-25 financial year, the council successfully applied for 32 criminal behaviour orders and issued 164 fixed penalty notices for nuisance and anti-social behaviour in four PSPO areas across the district.
Earlier this year, a new task force was launched aimed at cutting anti-social behaviour and crime in the city centre.
The unit was set up as the local authority began spending millions of pounds on projects designed to increase footfall in the city centre.