Have your say regarding anti-social behaviour and new town centre initiative

Cheltenham residents are being asked to consider the proposal to enable the council to determine the level of support for a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). The PSPO will specifically cover Town Centre East car park in a bid to more effectively tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB).

PSPOs were introduced in the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime & Policing Act 2014. The orders aim to deal with particular nuisance or similar problems that have a negative impact on the local community's quality of life, by imposing conditions on the use of that area. This can include anything from littering to anti-social behaviour such as graffiti or drug use. Failure to comply with the conditions is a criminal offence.

Those living, working or visiting Cheltenham borough can comment on the proposed PSPO up until 18 June 2021.

Katie Day, neighbourhood team supervisor at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: ‘There have been multiple incidents of ASB and nuisance at Town Centre East car park, which has resulted in distress to businesses and residents in the area. I would strongly urge local people to take part in the consultation and have their say.

“If there is support for the initiative and a PSPO is put in place, this will enable the council’s officers to enforce the order by issuing fixed penalty notices where appropriate.’’

Acting inspector, Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team, Steven Benbow, of Gloucestershire Constabulary, continued: “We support the application and will work with the council to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour within this area.

“Reports we have received have included noise, anti-social riding and skateboarding, items being thrown from the car park, criminal damage, graffiti and drug taking.

“We have increased and monitored our patrols and worked with partners to look at implementing increased security in the car park, increased cleansing and possible extra barriers.

“The PSPO is another potential measure that could make a real difference and enable police and civil enforcement officers from the council to reduce these issues and move people that are not in the car park for the correct reason, making it a safer and more attractive place for the public to use the facilities, reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.”

To for more information visit www.cheltenham.gov.uk/pspo-consultation, and to respond with your views, send an email to [email protected] or write to:
FAO Neighbourhood Team, Cheltenham Borough Council, Municipal Offices, Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 9SA.

Consultation closes on 18 June 2021.

For media enquiries contact communications, telephone 01242 264154, email [email protected].

Notes:
The following data has been gathered from reports submitted by residents and businesses during the period 2018-21 in relation to anti-social behaviour and environmental crime activity at Town Centre East car park:

• 19 Incidents of anti-social behaviour were recorded by the council between 2018 and 2021. These incidents involved the following activities: Graffiti, rough sleeping, criminal damage and drug paraphernalia.
• 80 incidents of anti- social behaviour have been recorded by Gloucestershire Constabulary in relation to Town Centre East Car Park and the surrounding areas of Grosvenor Place South. The incidents recorded involved the following activities: Noise, riding of skateboards/roller blades/bikes, criminal damage and drug use.