£100 fines proposed for catapult use or street drinking around Salisbury
Wiltshire Council's looking to bring in a Public Spaces Protection Order
Tougher measures are being proposed to deal with anti-social behaviour in and around Salisbury, with plans for a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).
Wiltshire Council wants to bring it in for the city itself, but also covering Laverstock and Ford, Quidhampton, Netherhampton, Wilton, Alderbury, Odstock and Coombe Bissett.
A PSPO gives local authorities more powers to deal with such incidents, including issuing £100 fines for those who breach the order.
It's in response to increasing reports of anti-social behaviour locally, especially when it comes to the use of catapults, slingshots and projectiles to cause harm or damage.
A similar order for Downton and Redlynch issued in 2022, is thought to have pushed incidents into other areas of South Wiltshire.
The PSPO for Salisbury would also aim to prevent street drinking, giving police powers to prohibit alcohol consumption, or having open containers of alcohol in public places.
That wouldn't affect licensed premises with outdoor seating though.
A public consultation is now underway into the plans, open until October 30th - with more details on the Wiltshire Council website. |newtab)
Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said:
“Following feedback from Wiltshire Police, parish councils and local residents about anti-social behaviour in the city and surrounding parishes, we feel it is an appropriate time to consider the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order.
“As per our Business Plan, we want Wiltshire to be a place where people are safe, and the proposed PSPO hopefully reassures the public, particularly those directly affected, that we take issues such as this very seriously.
“I want to encourage people and business owners to take part in the consultation so we can gather the community’s thoughts and feelings on the issue before making an informed decision.”
Inspector Tina Osborn, from the Salisbury community policing team, said:
"We are always keen to work with local partners to address any community safety 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 this PSPO could be one tool for us to use to crack down on these sort of issues."