A new order aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour in Bangor will come into force from 1 December 2019.
The order is called the Gwynedd Council Alcohol and Anti-Social Behaviour – Bangor Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) and will remain in force for a period of 3 years, until 30 November 2022, unless in the meantime it is revoked, amended or extended by a further order.
Between April 2018 and June 2019, there were 486 incidents of anti-social behaviour and 649 crimes reported in Bangor, according to police.
The new order is designed to target:
- Behaviour in a manner that is likely to cause harassment, alarm, nuisance or distress;
- Loitering in a state of intoxication through alcohol or drug-induced activity;
- Consuming alcohol or being in possession of open containers of alcohol likely to cause or causing anti social behaviour. A Constable or PCSO may require anyone in breach of this condition not to consume alcohol or anything they believe to be alcohol and to surrender any alcohol in their possession;
- Loitering within 10 metres of any cashpoint.
New signs have now been put up informing residents and visitors of the new restrictions.
In a report North Wales Police said the main aim of a tougher PSPO would be to allow “early intervention and prevention with potential offenders through engagement and education”, with powers of arrest used only as a last resort for persistent offenders.
“None of the proposed conditions are unreasonable and they’re designed to improve the city’s quality of life,” the report added.
Inspector Kevin Bratherton from North Wales Police said: “The implementation of a PSPO will be a sustainable three year problem solving approach between partners to reduce the ongoing crime and anti-social behaviour within Bangor City Centre.
“In addition to providing an enforcement option the PSPO will allow early intervention and prevention through engagement and education.”
Map of the new Bangor PSPO.
Main Photo (Top) A Kinsman
