Wolverhampton Council looks to introduce another Public Space Protection Order to address 'unacceptable behaviour' in the city centre - full detail here
Wolverhampton Council has unveiled plans to introduce another Public Space Protection Order due to 'unacceptable behavour' in the city centre and it's asking locals to have their say
People are being invited to have their say on plans to introduce a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Wolverhampton.
PSPOs are intended to prevent individuals or groups from engaging in anti-social behaviour within public areas.
Wolverhampton Council is now consulting on proposals designed to tackle issues which can contribute to anti-social behaviour such as drinking alcohol in public places, using drugs, loitering, aggressive begging, urinating or defecating in public, loud music, and the anti-social use of e-bikes and e-scooters.
PSPOs can be enforced with Fixed Penalty Notices for anyone who breaks the rules. However, the council has pledged to work with partners to take 'a fair and proportionate approach', and to use a range of options to address anti-social behaviour - no further information has currently been offered as to what these options are.
If approved, the new PSPO would cover the city centre within the ring road, as well as the wider area up to, and including, St John's Retail Park, Sainsbury's, Molineux Stadium and ASDA, and the railway station.
It would sit alongside the existing city centre PSPO, introduced in 2024 to tackle groups of three or more causing, or likely to cause, anti-social behaviour, or wearing face coverings if they have no reasonable grounds to do so.
'Wolverhampton experiences some unnacceptable behaviour in the city centre'
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: "A safe and welcoming city centre is something everyone values, and we are committed to ensuring it is the very best it can be so that residents and visitors alike enjoy positive experiences whenever they visit.
"Ambitious and exciting developments are unfolding in the heart of Wolverhampton, enhancing the vibrant experience that visitors can look forward to when exploring our city.
"As with many major towns and cities, Wolverhampton experiences some unacceptable behaviour in the city centre, and we are seeking people's views as to whether this Public Space Protection Order should be introduced to help tackle these issues.
"We have already seen the positive impact the existing city centre PSPO has had, contributing to a 16% reduction in recorded crime and a 50% fall in robberies, and we want to hear what people think of our proposals for a second PSPO, providing further restrictions over a wider area – so please have your say."
To take part in the consultation, visit the Consultation website by 11.59pm on March 12.
Meanwhile, consultation is also underway on plans to introduce a PSPO at the Bentley Bridge retail and leisure park.
People who wish to have their say on that one can do so at the Bentley Bridge Consultation website until 11.59pm on February 26.
