PSPO launched in town centre and Broadgreen to curb anti-social behaviour

Swindon Borough Council has been working with Wiltshire Police to implement a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) which will cover both the town centre and Broadgreen areas.

The PSPO gives officers from both the Council and Wiltshire Police the legal authority to challenge and fine individuals who are engaging in disruptive or dangerous activities. This includes a ban on riding e-bikes and e-scooters in the designated area, alongside other restrictions such as street drinking, public urination and riding pedal bikes in a way that endangers pedestrians.

More than 730 residents responded to a consultation on the order, with 90 per cent in favour of its introduction.

The PSPO supports the Council’s wider ambition to create a safer, more welcoming town centre as part of its ‘Heart of Swindon’ vision, a long-term plan to rejuvenate the area for residents, businesses and visitors.

The PSPO provides a targeted and efficient approach, giving officers the power to issue on-the-spot Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) of up to £100 for breaches. Repeat offenders could also face prosecution, with fines of up to £1,000. Community Safety Wardens will be among those able to issue FPNs.

Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: “We’re committed to creating a town centre where people feel safe and want to spend time in. The PSPO is an important step in supporting our police partners to take action against a number of individuals whose behaviour has a negative impact on the area.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, said: “Through working with Wiltshire Police and our partners to use ASB hotspot funding to increase police patrols and continue to employ Community Safety Wardens in Swindon, we can use the PSPO as a tool to effectively tackle the anti-social behaviour which has a profoundly negative effect on the lives of our residents.

“By working collaboratively, we will create a better and safer environment for our residents, shoppers and retailers in Swindon town centre and Broadgreen.”

Local Inspector David Tippetts, from Wiltshire Police, said: “PSPOs grant officers additional powers to address anti-social behaviour in specified areas and are a welcome addition to our toolkit.

“Anti-social behaviour in the town centre, whether that’s through things like street drinking or dangerous riding of e-bikes and e-scooters, has a detrimental impact on the area, deterring members of the public who might wish to come into the town centre and support local businesses.

“Through ongoing work with our partners, we're determined to make the town centre and Broadgreen more pleasant places for all.”