Warnings issued after order combating crime and disorder introduced on estate
More than 30 people – including under 18s – have been warned about their behaviour since an order to combat crime and disorder in a Walsall estate was renewed.
A public spaces protection order (PSPO) covering Beechdale was renewed last June for three years – having been introduced in 2016 to tackle a string of problems in the area.
And Walsall Council bosses said 32 warning letters had been dished out in six months since the renewal, with most of the recipients being aged under 18.
It was also revealed that police are pursuing prosecutions against one adult and two teenagers from the estate.
Councillor Garry Perry, cabinet member for community, leisure and culture at Walsall Council, revealed the statistic after being asked about the effectiveness of the PSPO by Beechdale ward Councillor Lee Jeavons.
Councillor Perry added that one of two community protection enforcement officers, being recruited by the authority, will be assigned to the area.
Among the issues that had plagued residents’ lives included gangs congregating and shouting, swearing, fighting, being abusive and intimidating people who lived and worked in Beechdale. People also reported drug use, drunken behaviour, missiles being thrown at buildings and noise nuisance caused by motorbikes.
Councillor Perry said significant reductions in anti-social behaviour in the area since the PSPO first came into force in 2016.
He said: “Since the renewed order was made, there have been 32 warning letters issued by the LA predominantly to people under the age of 18.
“No fixed penalty notices have been issued but it should be noted that these cannot be issued to anyone under the age of 18 but prior to and where warning letters have been issued, other intervention takes place where appropriate, for example, acceptable behaviour contracts, and these have already made a positive impact on anti-social behaviour levels.
“Any enforcement is taken as a joint operation with police and local housing providers and action has not proceeded beyond a warning letter because it has been effective.
“Police are pursuing prosecution of three individuals – one adult and two teenagers – for a number of offences including a breach of the PSPO.”
