Order banning begging in Sheffield city centre considered

The order would give the authorities more powers to deal anti-social behaviour

An order to prevent people from begging, loitering and using alcohol or drugs in Sheffield city centre is being considered.

The city council has agreed to a consultation on a draft Public Spaces Protection Order.

The order would give the council and police greater powers to curb anti-social behaviour.

It comes after a survey of businesses found 97 out of 100 had experienced anti-social behaviour in the last year.

Jason Siddall, head of communities at Sheffield Council, said: "Public Space Protection Orders provide additional powers for enforcement agencies to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a specific area.

"They are intended to help ensure that people can use and enjoy public spaces safe from anti-social behaviour and the key point is they aren't there to tackle or target certain groups of individuals, they apply to everyone."

British Transport Police reported frequent passive and aggressive begging at the city's station

The council's survey of businesses in the city centre highlighted a number of areas with particular problems.

It pointed to issues with begging on West Street, Castle Square, Moorfoot and the underpass near St Mary's Gate, while there were problems with alcohol at Arundel Gate and Sheffield Interchange.

British Transport Police reported frequent passive and aggressive begging, drinking and associated anti-social behaviour at the station.

The force recorded 181 incidents between January 2022 and January 2023, with more than half related to people causing harassment, alarm and distress.

Councillors at a meeting of the communities, parks and leisure committee were told the consultation was just the first step and full discussions would be held on whether to proceed with an order.