Do new anti-social powers in the town go too far now?
Local Democracy Reporter
NEW powers to crack down on antisocial behaviour in Atherstone have been passed despite concerns they hand too much power to Warwickshire Police.
North Warwickshire Borough Council’s executive board - the panel of Conservative and Labour councillors in charge of major decisions - this week approved a public spaces protection order (PSPO) covering Atherstone town centre.
It states that anyone in the area, which runs the length of Long Street, Station Street, North Street, Croft Road and all areas in between, must not “without reasonable excuse ingest, inhale, inject, smoke or otherwise use intoxicating substances with the capacity to stimulate or depress the central nervous system”.
It includes legal highs and alcohol and when asked, people “must surrender those items” to any police officer or council official.
Those who do not comply or move out of the area can be hit with a £100 fixed penalty notice or, if convicted, fined up to £500 in relation to alcohol and £1,000 in relation to other intoxicating substances.
There are exceptions related to alcohol outside licensed premises but councillors raised concerns, particularly in relation to the social fabric of Market Square, while one abstained declined to vote either way - when it came to rubber stamping the decision.
Councillor Keith Barnett (Lab, Atherstone South & Mancetter) said: “My concern with it is around the wording.
“I still feel that it is overly broad and leaving it open to the police to interpret it, that.
“I do feel the order is needed so I am not going to vote against it but because of my issues with the wording, I don’t think I can vote for it either.”
Councillor Davina Ridley (Dordon Independents, Dordon) replied: “I understand the concern but police officers use their discretion every day in their duties. I have complete confidence.”
The measures were instigated when Warwickshire Police contacted the council last year (2023) to ask for more scope to handle anti-social behaviour in the town. The plan was put together and consulted on with 85 per cent of respondents in support.
Chief executive Steve Maxey earlier stated the reassurances he had received from police and said the council “will withdraw” the PSPO,
I am not entirely happy with which it has the power to do at any point, if it is not working as intended.
Leader Councillor David Wright (Con, Fillongley) added: “We have heard from the police on numerous occasions, and we should remember that it was the police that came to us to ask for this because they were getting complaints. It is very difficult for them to move people on without this.
“Knowing the police officers within the area, they are not in the business of slapping an order on you because you are having a cup of coffee or a cigarette.
“This is to combat persistent people who are causing anti-social behaviour.
“It is a lovely market square, it is just a shame about the persistent antisocial behaviour of some. Anything we can do to protect the 99.9 per cent of law-abiding, happy, nice people, we should support.”