Street drinking ban in two Cotswolds towns could be extended
People could be banned from drinking on the streets of two Cotswolds[1] towns for the foreseeable future. A ban is currently in place stopping people from drinking in Stroud[2] and Dursley[3] but civic chiefs want to know if they should extend the ban.
A public space protection order (PSPO) is already in place in both towns but it could be extended for another three years. The order also prohibits other anti-social activities[4].
PSPOs can remain in place for up to three years and must be reviewed before being extended. The current orders were extended in 2020 and will expire on October 19, 2023.
Now Stroud District Council[6] wants to hear from people before deciding whether to extend the timeframe. The consultation period will end on 31 August 2023.
What is a PSPO?
A PSPO is used to address a particular nuisance in a defined public space, where that behaviour is having a negative impact on the quality of life for people in that public space. Breaking a PSPO is a criminal offence and can lead to a fixed penalty notice or prosecution.
PSPOs can remain in place for up to three years and must be reviewed before being extended.
Stroud District Councillor Beki Aldam (G, Thrupp), chairwoman of community services and licensing committee said: “One of the priorities of our council plan is community resilience and wellbeing, and working to reduce the impacts and causes of anti-social behaviour.
“The current PSPOs were put in place after consulting with members of the community and partners in an effort to keep our two largest town centres pleasant places for everyone.”
Vice chairman, Cllr Trevor Hall added: “The council plan also prioritises economic recovery by supporting our high streets and businesses. I urge anyone who lives, works, or visits Stroud and Dursley to give us their views so we can continue to grow sustainable economies.”
Full details on how to respond are at https://www.stroud.gov.uk/PSPOs[7] There are also details of how to respond to another PSPO consultation relating to controlling dogs in public which ends on August 18.
References
- ^ Cotswolds (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Stroud (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Dursley (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ anti-social activities (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Cotswolds residents asked how to spend thousands of pounds in car park profits (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Stroud District Council (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ https://www.stroud.gov.uk/PSPOs (lnks.gd)