New powers to crack down on drug-taking and drunkenness
FINES are being introduced to clamp down on anti-social behaviour in Swansea city centre.
A city centre Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is being introduced from December 1, and will apply to behaviour such as drugtaking and drunkenness – and everybody will be asked to comply.
It means that alcohol and drugs being consumed on the streets can be confiscated before the situation becomes a problem. Fixed penalty notices can be issued for anti-social behaviour such as swearing and aggression. Other action could also be taken to deal with persistent troublemakers.
Swansea Council says that people who are vulnerable due to circumstances such as homelessness will be treated sensitively, and housing and outreach services will be involved.
The PSPO – part of a broader and co-ordinated Swansea approach to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and street vulnerability – is designed to boost the city centre which is already being improved, it adds.
Robert Francis-davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “People are fed up with anti-social behaviour and want something done about it – the PSPO scheme will help address the issue. People should not feel intimidated or threatened by anti-social behaviour. Our new powers – working with those the police already have – will help residents, businesses, shoppers, workers and visitors enjoy our fast-improving city centre. PSPOS are already in place in other towns and cities.”
December 1 will be the start of a three-month PSPO trial in areas currently patrolled by the city centre rangers plus the Marina and Copr Bay coastal park when it opens next year. If successful, PSPOS could be introduced in areas such as SA1, Swansea Beach and the centre of Morriston.
Separate PSPOS are being developed for two other locations with a history of anti-social behaviour – a lane off St Helen’s Road and a tunnel linking The Strand with the High Street.
Every year, hundreds of complaints are made to Swansea city centre rangers. Police records show it to be a key issue affecting the city centre.
City centre rangers will explain to people how the PSPO will work and how – by not being involved in antisocial behaviour – they can comply. And they will continue to work closely with the police and outreach services so that actions are tailored to the individual.
The issuing of fines will only begin after the trial – and only after discussions with the individuals involved. Enforcement is the last resort, the council says. Alyson Pugh, the council’s cabinet member for supporting communities, said: “We have to do all we can to reduce the blight of anti-social behaviour in the city centre. There’s strong support for PSPOS from the police and business. Although a lot of work has already been done to address these problems, more needs to be done.
“The council community safety team’s endeavours to address anti-social behaviour
issues continue to benefit from excellent work with partners – and I’m pleased that our PSPO will be operated in such a way that the most vulnerable people will continue to be treated with respect and support from our staff who are being trained so well.”
Andrea Lewis, joint deputy council leader and cabinet member for climate change and service transformation, said: “Anti-social behaviour exists in most UK towns and cities. We hope our PSPOS will help reduce it in Swansea whilst we continue to treat vulnerable people with sensitivity.
“Our PSPOS aren’t aimed at the homeless or rough sleepers; people who often have complex problems and deserve our support to help them manage their lives.
“We have established mechanisms in place with the excellent outreach services that work hard to support vulnerable people.
“The council supports the homeless with medical and social care as well as finding them a place to live.” And Swansea BID chief executive Russell Greenslade added: “These new measures will be welcomed by our BID area businesses who are all working so hard to help
the city centre thrive and prosper after a very testing period.
“Anti-social behaviour is an issue that is raised by businesses, consumers and visitors quite frequently and it is important that everyone with a vested interest in the future of the city centre does what is necessary to improve things.
“Of course, there are complex issues at the heart of anti-social behaviour that need to be dealt with carefully and sensitively and I know all the agencies involved will carry out their duties in a sensitive and professional way.”
People are fed up with anti-social behaviour and want something done about it – the PSPO scheme will help address the issue. People should not feel intimidated or threatened by anti-social behaviour Robert Francis-davies
Anti-social behaviour exists in most UK towns and cities. We hope our PSPOS will help reduce it in Swansea whilst we continue to treat vulnerable people with sensitivity Andrea Lewis