Consultation on catapult ban in Downton and Redlynch to tackle anti-social behaviour
The villages have been plagued with problems over past couple of years
Last updated 5th May 2022
A catapult ban could be introduced in Downton and Redlynch to tackle anti-social behavour in the area.
Wiltshire Council is proposing a Public Spaces Protection Order for the area after ongoing issues with homes and vehicles being targeted.
In one incident, which sparked outrage, a bus carrying school children was targeted on Moot Lane with several windows smashed, fortunately no-one was hurt.
The PSPO would essentially ban anyone from possessing a catapult, slingshot or similar items capable of launching a projectile along with ball bearings and pellets.
Anyone found in breach of it by a police officer or an 'authorised person' by the force or Wiltshire Council could be issued with an on the spot Fixed Penalty Notice of £100.
The PSPO would cover the entire parishes of Downton and Redlynch including the villages of Morgan's Vale, Woodfalls and Lover.
HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE PROPOSAL?
Wiltshire Council have now launched a consultation for local people to give their views on the proposed PSPO.
The local authority wants feedback to establish whether it's the right action to take.
It asks questions like how much do you think catapults are a problem in the area and whether some areas should be excluded from the PSPO.
Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said:
“Proposing to bring in a Public Spaces Protection Order is never done lightly, but following feedback from local residents we feel it is a proportionate response to some of the activity being seen in the local area.
“PSPOs aren’t going to solve all problems like this, but they are a useful tool at our disposal and hopefully reassures the public, particularly those directly affected, that we take issues such as this very seriously.
“I’d encourage people in the local area to provide their feedback via the consultation so we can gather the community’s thoughts and feelings on the issue before making an informed decision.”
You have until June 15th to have your say.
Inspector Tina Osborn, from the Salisbury Community Policing Team, said:
“We are always keen to work with local partners to address any community issues across the Salisbury area, and we’d be very interested to learn more about the views of local residents through this consultation work.
“Tackling anti-social behaviour is a key priority for us, and a PSPO could be one tool for us to use to crack down on these sort of issues.
“Please take a moment to go online and read through the proposals, so you can have your say on how both the local policing team and the local authority can work together to keep our community safe.”