BUSINESS owners in Salisbury say they have noticed a reduction in anti-social behaviour since a public spaces protection order (PSPO) came into affect in May, according to Wiltshire Council.

13 fixed penalty notices worth £100 each have been handed out to street drinkers in Salisbury as part of a combined effort by Wiltshire Council and police to crackdown on anti-social behaviour and drug use in the city.

If ignored, the fines could rise to £1,000 and could lead to prosecution.

Under the order, police have the powers to ask people to stop drinking in the street and to surrender anything believed to be an alcohol container.

The order however does not limit licensed premises with outdoor seating from serving alcohol.

Wiltshire Council’s community safety officers have also been with Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Creative and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner following concerns of anti-social behaviour, street drinking, drug taking, a blocked fire exit and small fires at the side of Salisbury Playhouse, as the natural shelter and privacy of the adjacent The Maltings car park were attracting more people to the area.

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A fence and gate was installed at the Playhouse in September to deter this, paid for by government funding.

Funding was also secured to increase police and anti-social behaviour warden patrols across the city.

Councillor Dominic Muns, cabinet member for environment, said: “Next week will mark Anti-Social-Behaviour Awareness Week 2024 and with the overarching theme being ‘Making Communities Safer’, we are pleased to hear that the Salisbury businesses owners feel that the PSPO is making a difference in the local community.

13 fixed penalty notices have been issued since May Picture: Wiltshire Council

“The decision to put a PSPO is not ever done lightly, but in this instance the feedback we received deemed it necessary, and we are glad that it is working to both act as a deterrent to the anti-social behaviour and also to give the police the required powers to act further where necessary.”

Inspector Tina Osborn, from the Salisbury community policing team, said, “The implementation of the PSPO, has enabled officers to deal positively will individuals who continually choose to breach this order.

“An appropriate approach will always be taken against those involved in this behaviour but will be managed against the impact it is having on members of the public and businesses.

“We know that anti-social behaviour can have devasting impacts on communities and individuals if left untackled.”

Dan Collins, Salisbury BID operations manager, said, “Our security teams in Salisbury have already seen the positive impact of the PSPO on reducing anti-social behaviour around the city.

“The ability to address issues like street drinking has made an immediate difference, with the very presence of these powers now acting as a strong deterrent.

“This approach is helping us create a safer, more welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and visitors, while maintaining the lively atmosphere that makes Salisbury such a great place to be.”

In the city centre and surrounding parishes of Laverstock and Ford, Quidhampton, Netherhampton, Wilton, Alderbury, Odstock and Coombe Bissett, the PSPO means it is also an offence to possess any catapult, slingshot or similar items capable of launching a missile, and to possess any item that could be used as a missile, which could cause harm or damage.

No FPNs have been issued for a ‘catapult’ offence as yet, Wiltshire Council said.

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “Since taking office, anti-social behaviour is one of the most common concerns that I hear when talking to residents and I continue to discuss those concerns with the chief constable.

“We are committed to ensuring our communities receive the policing service they expect, and deserve, and I am reassured to see the renewed focus on neighbourhood policing under her leadership.

“Significant progress has been made in recent years to address anti-social behaviour.

“Within my office, Wiltshire Police – and in partnership with local authorities – we have developed an anti-social behaviour toolkit and we have published our joint Community Remedy to ensure each ASB report is responded to effectively by the most appropriately agency.”

To find out more about the PSPO in Salisbury, maps of the areas involved and what is included in the order, visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/community-safety-pspo-salisbury

To find out more about anti-social behaviour and where to report it, visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/community-safety-anti-social-behaviour