Measures to stop street drinking 'working'

A Public Spaces Protection Order in Salisbury has been deemed to be working

Business owners have said measures to stop street drinking in Salisbury are working to reduce the levels of anti-social behaviour.

A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) was introduced by Wiltshire Council earlier this year and 13 on-the-spot Fixed Penalty Notices of £100 have been issued to people drinking in the street.

The PSPO means a police officer can approach people drinking in the city centre and ask them to stop and surrender anything carrying alcohol.

Dan Collins, Salisbury BID operations manager said: "The ability to address issues like street drinking has made an immediate difference, with the very presence of these powers now acting as a strong deterrent."

Mr Collins added: "Our security teams in Salisbury have already seen the positive impact of the Public Spaces Protection Order on reducing anti-social behaviour around the city. "

Councillor Dominic Muns, cabinet member for environment said: "We are pleased to hear that the Salisbury business owners feel that the PSPO is making a difference in the local community.

“The decision to put a Public Spaces Protection Order is not ever done lightly, but in this instance the feedback we received deemed it necessary, and we are glad that it is working to both act as a deterrent to the anti-social behaviour and also to give the police the required powers to act further where necessary."

Insp Tina Osborn, from the Salisbury community policing team, said: “The implementation of the PSPO has enabled officers to deal positively with individuals who continually choose to breach this order.  

"We know that anti-social behaviour can have devastating impacts on communities and individuals if left untackled.”