Bid to extend special powers to stop antisocial behaviour in Doncaster town centre

Special powers powers to tackle anti-social behaviour in Doncaster town centre could be extended next week.
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Special powers powers to tackle anti-social behaviour in Doncaster town centre could be extended next week.

Mayor Ros Jones’ cabinet is being asked to consider the outcome of an extensive public consultation and approve a proposal to extend the current Town Centre Public Space Protection Order.

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Police on patrol in Doncaster town centre this weekPolice on patrol in Doncaster town centre this week
Police on patrol in Doncaster town centre this week
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The proposal is on the back of strong public support after over 1,000 residents and businesses responded to a recent consultation asking if they felt the powers were still required.

Phil Holmes, Director of Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: “We all want to see Doncaster town centre thrive and there have been big improvements in recent years. The Urban Centre Masterplan is seeing many major regeneration schemes delivered and millions of pounds of new investment and our integrated town centre management approach is making a real difference too. This proposed enhanced PSPO is just one part of that jigsaw providing us with the powers to deal with anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

“The proposed order is more than just tackling the negative behaviours of a small minority of people in our town centre. It’s about improving the health and wellbeing of some of our most vulnerable members of our community by helping them to break the cycle they are often locked into so they can get the right help and support from our Complex Lives team and partners. Our work on this front is making a real difference. Since 2017 we have helped over 200 people find accommodation and receive support and a further 122 people are currently benefiting from rehabilitation support.”

The proposed order will help tackle anti-social behaviour which causes harassment, alarm, distress, nuisance or annoyance. It would relate to the following:

1. Begging

2. Loitering

3. No return within 24 hours if asked to leave

4. Drinking alcohol in public areas

5. Taking drugs or other banned substances

6. Urination and defecation in public

7. Tampering with parking equipment

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The current PSPO will end in November. If approved, the new PSPO would come into force on November 7 2020 and last three years. It would mean people could face a fine of £100 if found in breach of the prohibited behaviours.