Gwynedd Council have approved new powers for police in Bangor which aim to tackle the problem of antisocial behaviour in the city.

 

 

The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) will be in place for three years and will strengthen police powers to tackle the rising problem of antisocial behaviour.

The new order will focus on action against:

  • Behaving 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 or being in possession of alcohol, likely to cause or causing anti-social behaviour, and refusing to surrender the alcohol to a Police officer
  • Loitering or performing for reward within 10 metres of any cash point.

A report from North Wales Police highlighted that between April 2018 and June 2019 there were 486 incidents of anti-social behaviour and 649 crimes reported in the city.

An order already exists in Bangor, but police considered it insufficient to deal with the current issues impacting on local businesses, residents, students and tourists.

Public Consultation

A public consultation was launched by Gwynedd Council and they received 275 responses, over the 5 week consultation period.

The overwhelming majority of people who responded, supported the new order with only 4 people not supporting the order.

Problems identified by respondents included antisocial behaviour relating to drugs or alcohol misuse, aggressive and intimidating begging. Several respondents were concerned about the general demise of the High Street, as regards to it no longer being a pleasant experience to visit.

Concerns were also raised about antisocial behaviour relating to young people causing a nuisance. Respondents also wanted more police on the streets.

North Wales Police submitted a substantial amount of documented evidence, showing the increase in, and change in types of Anti-Social Behaviour in Bangor. They believed that current enforcement powers are not ideal in tackling these issues, hence the need for a new order.

For example, an increase in complaints for the public around ’nuisance’ in public spaces, begging in named locations, such as near cash points and anti-social behaviour associated with drug misuse.

Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for Corporate Support said: “It is hoped that introducing this order will prevent individuals and groups who behave anti-socially from having an impact on the lives of the residents of the area.

“As the only city in Gwynedd, Bangor is a very special place and there are lots of exciting developments happening there at the moment. It is important to us that individuals who live, work and visit the area feel safe there.

“The additional powers will enable the Police to deal with persistent inappropriate behaviour in a much more effective way as well as working with potential offenders. The Council will work with the Police and other agencies to ensure that appropriate support is given to these people and the order would not be used to target people who are vulnerable or homeless.”

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.

“It’s anticipated this will have a positive impact on Anti-social behaviour and crime. None of the proposed conditions are unreasonable and they are specifically designed to tackle identified issues.”