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Worcester City Council is asking city residents and businesses for their views on the potential introduction of new powers to tackle anti-social behaviour in the city centre. The council is aware that the effects of anti-social behaviour can be costly in different ways. It causes distress to members of the public, it affects local businesses and puts huge pressure on services through calls on police time, hospital visits and 999 calls.
The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) can restrict activities in a certain area, thus prohibiting negative behaviours that affect the quality of life of residents and visitors to the city centre. A breach of a PSPO is a criminal offence and can be enforced.
The council is considering introducing a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in the city centre that will address anti-social behaviour experienced by residents and visitors.
If introduced, the PSPO will prohibit:
If the PSPO is introduced, any person found by police, community support or designated council officers to be in breach of the proposed requirements would be guilty of a criminal offence under the Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014. They could receive a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £70 or, if prosecuted, face a maximum fine of £1,000.
In practice, the City Council and the Police would work together and take a phased approach to help people change their behaviour, before resorting to a fine.
Councillor James Stanley, Chair of the City Council Communities Committee, said: “Worcester city centre is not a hot-bed for anti-social behaviour, but there is always room for improvement. However, residents will probably have different views on which of these powers we should introduce, so I want to really urge people to have their say at www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit.”
The consultation runs for eight weeks until April 24 and can be completed at www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit. Printed copies can be requested by calling 01905 722233.
