New powers to stamp out street drinking
Anti-social behaviour to be tackled in town centre under new powers
Scarborough’s town centre is to be targeted in a new clampdown on street drinkers, anti-social behaviour and begging.
North Yorkshire Police and Scarborough Council are to consult on creating a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the wards of Castle, North Bay, South Cliff, Ramshill, Weaponness, Northstead, Stepney and Central.
At first it would be enforced by the police and would see people breaking any part of the order given a £100 fixed penalty notice, reduced to £75 if paid within 14 days.
Going forward the council admitted it may look to hire or train existing staff, including traffic wardens, to enforce the protection orders.
The plans will now go out to consultation but if there are no major obstacles to overcome it could come into force in April next year.
The report, which went besleepers fore the council’s cabinet on Tuesday stated: “The area for the PSPO has been selected as there have been identified issues in the area, particularly with street drinking, rough and begging, including incidents of verbal abuse and intimidating behaviour.
“Overall reported levels of anti-social behaviour are higher in the areas proposed, with over 900 cases reported each year.
“There are regular reports received of rough sleeping and street drinking in the South Cliff Gardens area.
“Whilst there are some existing powers that can be used to tackle these issues the PSPO will improve the range of powers available to tackle such issues effectively.”
The move has been welcomed by traders in the town.
Chairman of the South Bay Traders’ Association, John Senior, told The Scarborough News that anything that tackled that town’s “dark underbelly” was welcome.
He said: “Twice now I have challenged people drinking and throwing cans in parks and have been told to go away in strong terms.
“I think anything that gives our police the help they need to do their job is welcome.
“It does not create a good impression of the town if people walk through the town and witness anti-social behaviour.”
If the scheme is successful in Scarborough it could be rolled out to Whitby and Filey.