New tougher powers come into force to tackle anti-social behaviour in Great Yarmouth

Great Yarmouth Borough Council is introducing the measures following a major public consultation last year when residents said feeling safe and the cleanliness of the town centre were among their top priorities.

As a result, at a meeting of the council early this month, councillors unanimously voted to introduce a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for the borough to outlaw public drinking of alcohol, begging, urinating in public, spitting and riding bikes or e-scooters on paths.

The PSPO takes effect from Tuesday, April 1, and Councillor Paul Wells, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's portfolio holder for Environment and Sustainability, Licensing and Waste, said: ''As a council we are determined to do all we can to deal more effectively with anti-social behaviour in the borough.

''Our residents made it clear to us they wanted tougher action to deal with the small minority of people whose unacceptable behaviour has a negative impact on the lives of others.

''We won't tolerate highly visible street drinking and people feeling intimidated by anti-social behaviour. These new powers will make it much easier to deal with problems where they arise.

''We have listened to what people want and this is an important step in ensuring we have a safer and more welcoming environment.''

There will be prominent signs to alert people to the new order with graphics and links to make the signage accessible for all.

There are currently three PSPOs in the borough that enable the council, in partnership with the police, to deal with some alcohol concerns, vehicles and dog control. The new order replaces the existing alcohol-related PSPO and will remain in place for three years.

The launch of the new PSPO in the centre of Great Yarmouth will be accompanied by a range of support services for people to speak with. Representatives from the NHS, Adult Social Care, charities and staff from the council's Rough Sleeping Team will be in the Market Place tomorrow to ensure anyone who wants help can receive immediate support.