Proposal to clampdown on anti-social behaviour in Thatcham
Public are being asked what they think about plans
Thames Valley Police have asked West Berkshire Council to consider introducing a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Thatcham Town Centre, and the Council is now asking residents, visitors, and those who work in Thatcham, for their views.
PSPOs allow the Council to place restrictions on certain behaviours in an area, to make sure that everyone can feel safer and enjoy public spaces.
The request to consider a PSPO for Thatcham town centre has been made Thames Valley Police (West Berkshire local police area)
Only Councils can issue a PSPO, and then only after consultation with the police, police and crime commissioner, the owner or occupier of the land in the restricted area, and other community representatives.
The consultation will be live until 3 April 2022.
After the consultation has concluded its findings will be taken to the West Berkshire Building Communities Together Partnership (a sub-group of the West Berkshire Health and Wellbeing Board) for a recommendation on the final decision.
If a PSPO is approved, restrictions will be placed on anti-social behaviour within a defined area - failing to comply with a PSPO is a criminal offence carrying the potential of a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100, or a fine of up to £1,000 upon prosecution.
Graham Bridgman, West Berkshire’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing said:
“Anti-social behaviour is an issue in many town centres nationally. However, there are measures that can be put in place, and a PSPO is one tool that can help people to feel safer and happier.
“We need people’s views on the request we’ve received and I would urge everyone to take part in the consultation.”
It is expected that the final decision will be made by June 2022. A full report on the consultation will be published at www.westberks.gov.uk/pspothatcham.
Hard copies of the survey will be available from the Thatcham Town Council offices, Brownsfield Road, Thatcham and Thatcham Library