Great Yarmouth Borough Council launches anti-social behaviour consultation

Individuals, businesses and visitors are all being encouraged to take part in the consultation which, depending on the feedback, will determine whether a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) could be introduced in the borough to more effectively deal with a range of anti-social behaviour issues.

The council said that while it is already committed to tackling anti-social behaviour, the new PSPO will allow further action to be taken to combat the issue.

There are currently three PSPOs in the borough which allow the council, in partnership with the police, to deal with some alcohol concerns, vehicles and dog control. However, a major survey commissioned by GYBC earlier this year showed that residents wanted more action on anti-social behaviour and the council is committed doing so.

The survey, carried out by a firm of communications experts, was completed by more than 700 people in Great Yarmouth and was designed to find out the priorities of those who live, work, study, visit and do business locally.

And, while there was broad recognition that Great Yarmouth is an affordable place to live with easy access to local services, the survey showed there was consensus around better tackling anti-social behaviour to make the town feel safer and more welcoming. Issues around crime and drug and alcohol abuse were a particular concern for some people.

Councillor Paul Wells, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's portfolio holder for Environment and Sustainability, Licensing and Waste, said: ''As a council we are focused on things that will help us make a difference to the lives of our residents.

''One of the priorities people consider to be important is more effectively dealing with anti-social behaviour. There is a huge amount of work being done across the town as we seek to raise aspirations and drive economic development, with things like the transformation happening in the Market Place and the former Palmers building.

''But anti-social behaviour is a recurring theme and we hope that as many people as possible will provide feedback via the consultation so we can work even harder to make improvements.''

If the feedback from the new consultation shows the public agrees with the proposals around unacceptable behaviours the new PSPO would be introduced in the early part of next year.

PSPOs were introduced nationally in 2014 and were designed to simplify and replace powers granted to local authorities. They allow councils to tackle activities in a public places which have had, or are likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life of people locally.

The PSPO consultation is open until midnight on Friday, December 8. To have your say please visit https://have-your-say.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/open. If you would like a paper version of the consultation please call 01493 846478.