Fines considered to tackle anti-social behaviour

A council wants to introduce £100 on-the-spot fines to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in a town.

Wiltshire Council is considering a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Chippenham town centre and John Coles Park following concerns from the public.

Anybody drinking alcohol, under the influence of or in possession of drugs, or committing indecent exposure in the area could be issued with a fixed penalty notice.

Residents and business owners are invited to share their views on the proposal in a six-week consultation which starts on Monday.

The council said a PSPO introduced in Salisbury last year was having a "positive impact".

As of October, 13 fines were issued to people for street drinking in the city.

Councillor Dominic Muns, cabinet member for environment, said: "I'd like to assure people that Wiltshire remains a very safe and welcoming county, however, safeguarding our residents is a key priority for us.

"As we consider the introduction of a PSPO in Chippenham, our local residents, business owners and visitors can feel reassured that we are taking these issues seriously."

Insp Pete Foster, from Wiltshire Police, said: "ASB in the town centre has been one of the main issues fed back to us by the local community.

"A Public Spaces Protection Order would give us the ability to tackle this behaviour to improve the town, allowing local residents, businesses, and visitors to enjoy Chippenham without having to witness the ASB that we have previously experienced."

The consultation ends on 2 March.

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