PSPO to tackle anti-social behaviour in city centre renewed for three years
A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which aims to tackle anti-social behaviour in the city centre has been renewed.
Executive board members yesterday (Tuesday 7 March) unanimously backed a proposal to continue with the PSPO for a further three years.
The order has been in place in the city centre and parts of Rhosddu since 2016 after being introduced in response to a series of high-profile issues surrounding anti-social behaviour.
The conditions of the order, which was last renewed in January 2020, include:
- Behaving in a manner likely to cause harassment, alarm, nuisance or distress
- Prohibition on alcohol consumption and open containers
- Loitering in a State of intoxication
- Urinating and defecating in public areas
- Prohibition on Ingesting, injecting, inhaling, smoking or otherwise using intoxicating substances, or being in possession of open containers
A breach of a PSPO can lead to a maximum fine not exceeding £1000 or a fixed penalty notice of £100.
Over the last three years 11 FPNs were issued by city centre wardens in the Regent Street, Market Street ,Ty Pawb, York Street, Henblas Street, High Street and Peace Gardens.
Speaking at yesterday’s meeting Cllr Paul Roberts, lead member for partnerships and community safety, said: “The PSPO for people that may not be aware, is part of a greater package of tools that Wrexham Council and North Wales police utilise as a multi agency scheme.
“The actual PSPO is a small element, I personally view it as a support mechanism.
However Grosvenor councillor Marc Jones, represents a ward included in the PSPO, questioned who will be in charge of issuing the FPNs.
Cllr Jones said: “I’ve spoken to Cllr Roberts about my main concern, which is basically who will enforce this.
“In the past when people have reported problems of antisocial behaviour in Rhosddu Park or in the town centre, what we found is the police saying that’s a council matter and the council not being able to enforce it.
“I’m very keen to avoid any future ping-pong between the police and the council.
“I think it’s really important that we are clear that in terms of wardens to deal with this and that everyone’s clear who will be dealing with any potential antisocial behaviour as outlined in the PSPO.”
Deputy leader of Wrexham Council, Cllr David A Bithell, said the “order is there to assist the council but also to proactively work in collaboration with North Wales Police.”
He said: “We had a multi-agency meeting shortly after Christmas to talk about how the order is working and how it can be progressed as part of the consultation
“Members will be aware that we’ve had some minor issues in the city centre over the Christmas period and my understanding is the PSPO it’s certainly a multi-agency approach and we’re working in partnership with North Wales Police.”
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