People invited to have say about Bentley Bridge public space order plan as way of tackling anti-social behaviour

The public is being invited to have their say about proposals to introduce a 'Public Space Protection Order' (PSPO) around the Bentley Bridge area when a consultation begins early next month.

The order would give police powers to ask groups of three or more people to vacate the area if there is reason to believe they are causing or likely to cause a nuisance, and to remove face coverings if they have no reasonable grounds to wear them.

Wolverhampton Council said these proposals are being put forward to tackle a steady increase in anti-social behaviour, largely involving groups of youths, in and around the retail and leisure park in recent years, and have been specifically developed to target those responsible. 

It would not affect people gathering to shop or visit the retail and leisure park, nor would it discriminate against those legitimately wearing a face covering, for example for medical reasons or religious purposes.

The consultation will begin on Friday, January 2, with people able to have their say until 11.59pm on February 26.

A similar PSPO introduced in Wolverhampton city centre last year has had a positive impact, contributing to a 16 per cent reduction in recorded crime within the city centre, including a 50 per cent fall in robberies.

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, and Wellbeing, said: "Bentley Bridge is an incredibly popular retail and leisure venue and we want to ensure it remains a welcoming and safe place for everyone to visit. 

"Public Space Protection Orders are designed to ensure the law-abiding majority can continue to use and enjoy public spaces, safe from the threat of anti-social behaviour or nuisance.

"Data shows an increase in incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area over recent years, and, where a group of people or an individual is likely to cause, or is causing, anti-social behaviour, the PSPO would give police the authority to ask them to leave the area and remove any face coverings being purposefully used to disguise their identity.

“We’ve seen the impact that the city centre PSPO has had, and we want to hear what residents, businesses and visitors to Bentley Bridge think of these proposals, so please have your say when the consultation opens next month.”

If approved, the order will be introduced in due course and will cover the whole of the Bentley Bridge retail and leisure park.