Consultation over renewal of West Bromwich anti-social behaviour order
Residents are being urged to have their say on renewing a public space protection order (PSPO) in West Bromwich – aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour in the town.
For three years the town has been covered by a PSPO to make it a more pleasant place to live, work and shop.
Sandwell Council brought in the current PSPO in 2018, following public consultation.
The order gives the council and police additional enforcement powers in relation to:
People acting or inciting others to act in a manner that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress
Threatening any person with violence and/or being verbally abusive towards any person
Begging or asking members of the public for money or loitering for the purpose of begging or asking members of the public for money
Causing a motor vehicle or trailer to stand on a road and/or footpath so as to cause any unnecessary obstruction of the road and/or footpath.
By law, PSPOs last for at most three years – meaning the authority is now reviewing the current order to see what changes might be needed.
Councillor Danny Millard, Sandwell Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for inclusive economic growth, said: “There’s no question the order has been a success. Under its power, 66 £100 Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued over the past three years relating to harassment, alarm or distress and aggressive or fraudulent begging.
“The PSPO has also provided opportunities to tackle problem parking, helping to make West Bromwich a safer and more attractive and thriving shopping centre.
“Working in tandem with the borough-wide alcohol PSPO, which was renewed in March, it has helped address anti-social behaviour concerns and shown that PSPOs, used effectively, help increase public confidence through effective response to residents’ concerns.”
Cabinet member for living healthy lives, Councillor Farut Shaeen, added: "While the PSPO has been a useful enforcement tool, it also provides opportunities for engagement and education.
"Though the PSPO, 12 people have engaged with the Homeless Solutions Team and found homes, while many others have been referred on for treatment and support.”
Sandwell Council has opened a 10-week consultation on reviewing the West Bromwich town centre PSPO – which will run until July 16.
The council’s proposals and details of how to comment are available to view at sandwell.gov.uk/consultation
