Somerset MP asks for Bridgwater to be included in plans to tackle antisocial behaviour
The new “respect orders” are designed to crack down on repeat offenders
Bridgwater town centre could be included in a new government pilot scheme aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour following a request by its local MP.
The government recently announced it would be introducing a modernised version of the antisocial behaviour order (ASBO), which were introduced under the last Labour government but were scrapped by the Conservatives in 2014.
The new “respect orders” are designed to crack down on repeat offenders, with those who fail to comply facing unlimited fines and up to two years in prison.
Bridgwater MP Sir Ashley Fox has formally requested that his town be included in the pilot of the new orders, which are expected to be introduced as part of the forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill.
The government has welcomed Mr Fox’s request and said it would be happy for Bridgwater to be included.
The new orders are designed to give the police and local authorities stronger powers to tackle a wide range of antisocial behaviour, including public drunkenness or driving illegal e-scooters on pavements.
The Home Office has indicated that those slapped with an order may be required to attend drug or alcohol treatment services or anger management courses to “address the underlying causes of their behaviour”.
Home secretary Yvette Cooper MP said: “Too many town centres and neighbourhoods across our country are being plagued by anti-social behaviour, be it street drinking, harassment or vandalism on the high street, or noisy and intimidating off-road bikes terrorising our estates.
“Antisocial behaviour chips away at communities’ sense of confidence and pride, undermines local businesses and can have a devastating impact on victims. This cannot be allowed to continue.
“Respect orders will give police and councils the powers they need to crack down on repeated anti-social behaviour, keeping our communities safe and ensuring repeat offenders face the consequences of their actions.
“We will also make it easier to seize the vehicles causing misery in too many neighbourhoods, including deafening off-road bikes or e-scooters ridden dangerously on the pavement.”
Mr Fox made his request in the House of Commons on Wednesday (December 27) during a series of questions to Diana R. Johnson MP, the policing, fire and crime prevention minister.
He said: “I welcome the minister’s commitment to tackling antisocial behaviour.
“There is a particular problem in Fore Street, in my constituency, where those who abuse drugs and alcohol gather and make a nuisance of themselves.
“Will she please consider adding Bridgwater to her list of possible candidates for the pilot scheme?”
The Cornhill and Fore Street areas in Bridgwater town centre previously received government funding to tackle antisocial behaviour as part of the £23.6m Bridgwater town deal, with town wardens being deployed to assist visitors and discourage repeat offenders.
Ms Johnson – who represents Kingston-upon-Hull North and Cottingham – responded: “I must say that I am very pleased to hear a Conservative member of parliament asking to be added to our list of pilot areas for the respect orders. I will certainly do that.”
The government has not confirmed how soon the Crime and Policing Bill will come before the House of Commons for its first reading.