Rushmoor Borough Council’s Cabinet has backed plans to introduce a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Aldershot town centre - which will give it stronger powers to tackle antisocial behaviour.
Members of the Cabinet, meeting on Tuesday, 7 June, backed a proposal to introduce the order and set fines at £100.
The PSPO includes restrictions to control a range of antisocial behaviour that reflect the current issues being experienced by residents, shoppers and businesses. These include the ability to tackle antisocial issues. Enforcement of the order will start once appropriate signage has been put up in the area covered by the order.
The order allows the police and council officers to seize alcohol and make greater use of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) in Aldershot town centre, including Municipal Gardens, and the southern entrance to Aldershot railway station. These new measures would run alongside the council’s work with other statutory agencies which are supporting vulnerable individuals in Aldershot and Farnborough.
The move follows a six-week public consultation earlier in the year which showed overwhelming support for the measures - with 94% of respondents supporting the conditions on alcohol consumption and 93% of respondents supporting the conditions around public urination/defecation.
Partners, including the local Chief Inspector, the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Hampshire County Council, the MOD and Aldershot Civic Society also backed the measures.
Aldershot Town Centre has been experiencing street-based antisocial behaviour for a number of years, committed by a large and often transient group of people who spend their time drinking alcohol and gathering in groups. Their behaviour has a detrimental effect on the wider community.
Rushmoor Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Operational Services, Councillor Maurice Sheehan, said: “We have a problem with antisocial behaviour in Aldershot town centre, especially in Victoria Road, where groups of individuals are intimidating many members of the public and threatening them as well. We are not going to put up with this sort of behaviour.
“Business owners are fed up with this behaviour, but are pleased to see the council taking action to bring it under control. This is a high priority for the community safety team.”
“The introduction of a new PSPO in Aldershot town centre will allow us and the Police to tackle some of the most disruptive antisocial behaviour, so that people can feel confident and safe when visiting the town centre. We want to make sure that our town centres are family-friendly and vibrant places where all will feel welcome, particularly now regeneration is transforming the heart of Aldershot."