13 fines handed out for street drinking in Salisbury city centre
Fencing's also been put up to stop people gathering in the Maltings car park
Last updated 18th Nov 2024
13 fixed penalty notices have been issued by Wiltshire Police in Salisbury city centre, to help reduce levels of street drinking and anti-social behaviour.
The fines are able to be given out as part of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for the area.
That was secured by police and Wiltshire Council for the city centre, as well as Laverstock & Ford, Quidhampton, Netherhampton, Wilton, Alderbury, Odstock and Coombe Bissett.
It bans street drinking and the use of catapults - with £100 fines available.
None have been issued for catapults as yet.
Failure to pay an FPN can lead to a prosecution and an additional fine of up to £1,000.
Action's also been taken to try and prevent people gathering for street drinking and drug use in the Maltings car park, close to Salisbury Playhouse.
Wiltshire Council’s Community Safety officers have worked with Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Creative and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner on the issue.
Police Officers and ASB wardens have increased patrols, with Home Office funding's been used to install a fence and gate to protect the property, staff and visitors.
Works to install the new fence were completed at the end of September.
Cllr Dominic Muns, Cabinet Member for Environment at Wiltshire Council, said:
“This week will mark ASB Awareness Week 2024 and with the overarching theme being ‘Making Communities Safer’, we are pleased to hear that the Salisbury businesses owners feel that the PSPO is making a difference in the local community.
“The decision to put a Public Spaces Protection Order is not ever done lightly, but in this instance the feedback we received deemed it necessary, and we are glad that it is working to both act as a deterrent to the anti-social behaviour and also to give the Police the required powers to act further where necessary. We hope this provides that additional assurance that we take safety in Salisbury very seriously, particularly as we head into the Christmas period where people will visit and enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
“We want to thank Wiltshire Police for their support and for helping us to keep our communities safe.”
Inspector Tina Osborn, from the Salisbury community policing team, said:
“The implementation of the PSPO, has enabled officers to deal positively will individuals who continually choose to breach this order. An appropriate approach will always be taken against those involved in this behaviour but will be managed against the impact it is having on members of the public and businesses. We know that anti-social behaviour can have devasting impacts on communities and individuals if left untackled.”
Dan Collins, Salisbury BID Operations Manager, said:
“Our security teams in Salisbury have already seen the positive impact of the Public Spaces Protection Order on reducing anti-social behaviour around the city. The ability to address issues like street drinking has made an immediate difference, with the very presence of these powers now acting as a strong deterrent. This approach is helping us create a safer, more welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and visitors, while maintaining the lively atmosphere that makes Salisbury such a great place to be."