New powers to crack down on anti-social behaviour in Kidsgrove move a step closer

Members of the Licensing and Public Protection Committee are being asked to approve a 12-week public consultation on the proposed PSPO. The move follows a significant rise in reported anti-social behaviour, with incidents increasing by approximately 54 per cent, from 115 to 177, over the latest 12-month period.

Evidence gathered by the Borough Council, Staffordshire Police and Aspire Housing has highlighted concerns including intimidating group gatherings, aggressive and abusive behaviour, street drinking, drug and substance misuse, littering, graffiti, public urination and obstruction of public spaces.

The proposed Order would provide stronger powers to tackle unacceptable behaviour within the designated town centre area, including refusing to disperse when directed, threatening or abusive behaviour, alcohol-related nuisance, drug use, aggressive begging, the illegal use of e-scooters, littering, graffiti and obstruction.

Council Leader Jonathan Gullis said:

Residents have told us loud and clear that they are sick and tired of a minority behaving as though the rules simply do not apply to them.

 

I particularly want to thank those residents and businesses who took our advice and reported incidents of anti-social behaviour and other unacceptable conduct. That has helped build the evidence base we need to take action and give the police and authorised officers stronger powers to deal firmly with those few who are determined to cause problems in Kidsgrove.

 

People should be able to shop, work, visit businesses or simply walk through their town centre without being intimidated, abused or having to put up with anti-social behaviour.

 

We promised to bring forward a PSPO for Kidsgrove and we are delivering on that promise.

 

This is another important step in our drive to restore pride in our communities, back law-abiding residents and make sure there are consequences for those who think they can behave however they like.”

Cllr. Andrew Fisher, Cabinet member for Residents’ Services and Neighbourhoods, added:

Residents and businesses in Kidsgrove have every right to expect a town centre that is safe, welcoming and properly looked after.

 

This proposal is based on the evidence we’ve gathered, and on what local people have been telling us about the problems they are experiencing.

 

I would encourage residents and businesses to respond to the consultation and help us make sure the final proposals are as strong and effective as possible.”

Subject to approval by the Licensing and Public Protection Committee, the consultation will seek the views of residents, businesses, visitors and other stakeholders before the results are brought back to the Committee for a final decision on whether the PSPO should be adopted.