Bid to banish the bedlam Council seeks powers to target anti-social behaviour with on-the-spot fines

BEGGARS and drunks are to be targeted after Birmingham City Council revealed plans to wage war on the rising tide of antisocial behaviour in the city centre.

Anyone loitering, spraying graffiti, blocking pavements, or using the streets as a toilet will also be targeted with fines.

The council is applying for a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to combat behaviour that affects shoppers and workers.

The new order could be in place for up to three years, suggesting the council wants to clean up the city centre before the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

Depending on the type of behaviour, an enforcing officer could issue the perpetrator with a £100 fixed penalty notice.

The fines could be issued by a police officer, PCSO, council officer or other person council.

West Midlands Police and the council might also consider further interventions are necessary to address the behaviour.

But Westside Business Improvement District manager (BID) manager Mike Olley questioned why such an order was needed in the first place.

Mr Olley, a former councillor, said: “Do we really need any more laws in this country? A lot of the things on that list have been illegal since time immemorial, so what we need is action.

“Up on Broad Street we have our own, high profile private wardens who are highly visible and look after the interests of the local community by jollying things along.

“It is not rocket science and we make sure Broad Street is a safe environment for everyone. We wave a finger and if that’s not enough, we call the police. designated by the

“The real trouble is that we already have various orders but there is nobody to police them, let alone the police.

“This policy has clearly been thought up with the best intention imaginable, but it is effectively more than posturing.”

The proposed ‘protection zone’ will stretch from Dartmouth Middleway to Lee Bank Middle Way, and little Brindleyplace to Digbeth.

Birmingham City Council said: “There has been work among partners throughout Birmingham city centre to address anti-social behaviour in the local area.

“These behaviours cause significant concern for residents, businesses and visitors to the area.

“As part of the partnership approach, it has been decided to apply for a Public Space Protection Order for the city centre.

“This order has been informed by evidence from residents, businesses and professionals, which demonstrates the scale of the issue for the local community.”

A spokesman added: “Subject to the outcome of the consultation, a PSPO must be approved and signed off jointly by Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police. Enforcement of the PSPO is carried out by the police.

“Once approved, a PSPO can only take effect once all the appropriate signage is in place across the designated area. The timescale will vary depending on the size of the PSPO zone and the amount of signage required.

“The PSPO is aimed at addressing low-level anti-social behaviour rather than crime across the city centre.”

The orders are part of new antisocial behaviour legislation introduced nationally in October 2014.

They provide officers with additional powers across a defined geographical area to tackle a wide range of anti-social behaviours.

The order also requires any young person found to be in breach to be referred to the Early Intervention Team at the Youth Offending Service.

Anyone found in breach with drug and alcohol issues can be referred to drug and alcohol rehabilitation services while beggars can be referred to a Street Intervention Team for housing and benefit support.

Consultation on the plans until November 11.

A lot of the things on that list have been illegal since time immemorial, so what we need is action Westside Business Improvement District manager (BID) manager Mike

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