Anti-social behaviour powers could be extended

Additional measures to combat anti-social behaviour could be implemented in Cannock town centre

Measures to combat anti-social behaviour in Cannock Chase could be extended and amended to include activities such as rooftop climbing and urinating in public spaces.

The new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) would also restrict the use of motorised vehicles, like e-scooters or e-bikes in an anti-social way, in public spaces.

Cannock Chase Council wants to extend and amend the current PSPO, which is in place until the end of January 2025, for a further three years.

A consultation on the revised order has been launched to gather people's views.

The existing PSPO restricts alcohol consumption in certain areas.

Areas set to be covered by the new order are town centres in Cannock, Rugeley and Hednesford, as well as Cannock Park, Hednesford Park, Ravenhill Park and Fernwood in Rugeley.

The three town centres would also be covered by measures that ban public urination, defecation and unsafe disposal of hypodermic needles.

Councillor David Williams said the existing PSPO had "worked well" to address anti-social street drinking across the Cannock Chase district.

Amending the order to include other issues would ensure the district was a "great place to live, work and visit," he added.

A council report said authorities were aware of an increase in anti-social behaviour linked to motor vehicles within the past 12 months, with 102 reports to police.

There was also an "increasing issue" within Cannock and Rugeley relating to adults accessing rooftops and high buildings without consent.

The incidents were causing "high levels of concern" and complaints from residents and businesses and putting those involved at "substantial risk of injury or death," the report added.

At a meeting, council leader Tony Johnson said it was "vitally important" residents affected by anti-social behaviour reported incidents so that action could be taken.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.