Pledge to offer help to homeless as town order bans rough sleeping

COUNCIL CHIEFS have teamed up with police officers in a South Yorkshire town in a bid to deter anti-social behaviour and agressive begging.

Doncaster Council and South Yorkshire Police have implemented a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to also address issues including homelessness and rough sleeping.

The order will see the council, police and services including St Leger Homes, RdASH, Aspire drug and alcohol services, Riverside and Doncaster Children’s Services Trust working together in the town.

Chief Inspector Jayne Forrest, who has been involved in the development of the PSPO, said: “Our priority is to ensure we are protecting vulnerable people, keeping everyone safe and working to make Doncaster a happy and enjoyable place to live. By working with and supporting our partners to implement the PSPO, we hope we will be able to achieve this.

“I hope this illustrates our commitment to creating a happy and safe environment for everyone to live in and I hope our local communities feel reassured by this action.”

Coun Chris McGuinness, cabinet member for communities, said: “The introduction of the PSPO is something that the majority of residents who responded to the consultation said they wanted to see in the town centre.

“The PSPO will be another tool to use to help those who may find themselves homeless or rough sleeping. We will be working with our partners to encourage people to get the help and support they need.

“However, we will not allow the continuation of the anti-social behaviour that is currently taking place in the town centre.”