Council launches new scheme to crack down on street drinking

A new scheme aimed at cracking down on street drinking and other anti-social behaviours in Spalding town centre has been launched.

 
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) has been set up by South Holland District Council and signs promoting the initiative are going up within the designated area.

 
The order has been introduced to improve the quality of life of those living, working and visiting the area which covers from St Thomas’ Road north to West Elloe Avenue and from the railway station east to Commercial Road.

 
The following activities are offences within the PSPO:

 
Failure to comply with an officer’s request to stop drinking alcohol in a public space

 
Spitting saliva or any other product on to the ground

 
Dropping litter

 
Urinating or defecating

 
Malcolm Chandler, deputy leader of South Holland District Council, said: “While it is pleasing to hear that reported incidents of antisocial behaviour are reducing in Spalding, we accept there are still incidents occurring and there remains a public perception of street drinking, which we want to change.

 
“The PSPO is a new piece of government legislation to help authorities address community concerns and make public spaces more welcome to the majority of people. 

 
“It is important that incidents of antisocial behaviour are reported to the council’s communities team on 01775 761161 or to the police via 101 so that issues can be monitored.

 
“We are committed to supporting safe communities across South Holland and are confident that the PSPO will continue to reduce street drinking and other nuisance behaviours.”

 
Inspector Jo Reeves, community policing inspector for South Holland, added: “Lincolnshire Police are supporting the council with the PSPO to further the considerable good work which has taken place over the last few years to reduce street drinking to the low levels we currently experience.

 
“We will continue to provide a visible presence in reported hotspot locations to reduce antisocial behaviour and improve the locality for all who use it.”

 
The PSPO replaces the previous Designated Public Place Order in the town centre, which resulted in a decrease in the number of reported street drinking incidents since 2014.

 
The new law does not allow for a complete ban on drinking alcohol in a public place, the offence is failing to comply with an officer’s request to stop drinking within a PSPO area.

 
A map of the PSPO area can be viewed at www.sholland.gov.uk