New powers issued to tackle 'nuisance drinkers'

Natalie Gist Portfolio Holder for Law and Governance at Stratford District Council

New powers have been issued in a bid to to tackle anti-social behaviour in a popular tourist town.

The district council and Warwickshire Police said they had received increasing reports from residents regarding criminal and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol use in Stratford-upon-Avon.

They have issued a Public Space Protection Order which is designed to tackle anti-social behaviour in public places. Breaching the order could lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of up to £100.

Police said it was not about stopping drinking in the town centre but about being able to tackle the anti-social behaviour.

A street sign in Stratford warning people about the PSPO

Natalie Gist, portfolio holder for law and governance at the district council, said: "We've had increasing reports of anti-social behaviour in Stratford over the last three years.

"Residents repeatedly tell us that they're quite upset about it and it's bothering them, and so we worked with the police and we thought it would be a proportionate thing to support our residents and our businesses to bring this order in."

Nick Longden who owns river cruiser restaurant 'The Countess' has raised the issue of anti social beahviour in the town previously.

He said he could see why the measures have been brought in but also had his concerns adding it was putting a band-aid on a bigger problem.

"The problem is generally, we're telling people what they can't do, to try and get rid of a small minority of people who do cause the problem."

Nick Longden owner of 'The Countess' river cruiser restaurant in Stratford

Ch Insp Simon Ryan, said the force was already hearing positive things from residents about the PSPO.

"Combined with other actions we take - including ongoing neighbourhood patrols - the PSPO gives us the ability to intervene early when we see behaviour that might escalate.

"It's very important to make it clear that the PSPO does not cover all street drinking, and this is not a ban on alcohol consumption in the town centre. The powers are just intended for those who are causing anti-social behaviour."