Anti-social behaviour crackdown in town park

PEOPLE in Tavistock, where there have been over 160 instances of anti-social behaviour in the past 12 months, say they back plans to get tough on the problem.

A public consultation on whether to introduce a public space protection order (PSPO) in The Meadows, often known as Tavistock Park, showed unanimous support for the plan.

Councillors in West Devon will discuss a recommendation to introduce the new powers when they meet next Tuesday.

The public space protection order forbids or restricts certain activities. West Devon Borough Council is not proposing a total ban on alcohol in The Meadows, but is asking members of the public if they would agree to rules such as not acting “in a manner that is causing or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress in the designated area.”

On alcohol, the rules demand that “alcohol must be disposed of or surrendered if requested by an authorised officer.”

West Devon Borough Council’s lead member for leisure, health and wellbeing, Cllr Tony Leech said: “It is clear that local residents, businesses and organisations support the proposed measures to manage anti-social behaviour and to help maintain a happy atmosphere in our town.

“We want The Meadows to be safe and enjoyed by everyone and will not sit back and allow a small minority to ruin it for everyone else.”

The process involved consulting with the community and partners to identify the need for a PSPO, as well as taking into consideration evidence of past anti-social behaviour.

Local crime figures were examined while preparing the recommendation and revealed: 167 instances of antisocial behaviour reported in Tavistock over the past 12 months; anti-social behaviour accounted for 31 per cent of all crimes reported in the town; 38 per cent of these reports originate from “The Meadows”, totalling 11 per cent of all reported crimes.

West Devon Borough Council ‘hub members’ will now consider the recommendations on Tuesday 2 November.