Wiltshire Council has said it is considering introducing a public protection order in response to concerns about anti-social behaviour in Trowbridge town centre.
Recent weeks have seen a number of high-profile crime-related events, including several arrests on Fore Street earlier this month, an article in the Sun which appeared to refer to Trowbridge as a ‘ghetto’ overrun with machete-wielding yobs, and a heavily attended shop watch meeting at which police sought to address high street businesses’ concerns with crime and anti-social behaviour.
On Thursday, July 17, officers took to Trowbridge’s town centre to engage businesses and residents on crime, anti-social behaviour, and street safety after concerns were made about rising incidents.
During the walkthrough, neighbourhood inspector Ho Tsang said the main objective of the multi-agency walkthrough was “come together with all the partners so we can understand collectively what the issues are.”
Ahead of the event, Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson raised the possibility of introducing a public space protection order (PSPO) in Trowbridge, saying it would enable police to deal with anti-social behaviour in the town centre more effectively.
Wiltshire Council has now said it is “exploring” introducing a PSPO as it considered responses to concerns over anti-social behaviour in the town centre.
Cllr Paul Sample JP, cabinet member with responsibility for Community Safety", said: "We're working closely with Police and other partners to address concerns about anti-social behaviour in Trowbridge town centre.
“While no decision has been made, we're exploring whether a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) could form part of a wider, proportionate response.
"Any PSPO would follow a full legal process, including consultation, and be considered alongside existing support services and engagement work already underway."
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"The Neighbourhood Policing Team in Trowbridge has already responded to a number of concerns raised by local residents and businesses, and they already have a comprehensive plan in place to resolve the underlying causes of anti-social behaviour, as well as tackle the anti-social behaviour (ASB) itself that we see in the town centre.
“The success of this plan will require working with the local council and a variety of charities supported by my office. A Public Space Protection Order issued by the Council will enable officers from Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Council team to deal with ASB more effectively.
“It’s imperative that we work together to solve these problems within Trowbridge and that everyone involved, including the public, knows their role in making the town a safer place to live and work.”
Anti-social behaviour has been a persistent concern for business on Trowbridge’s high street, with businesses telling this paper in April they weren’t surprised to see a heavy police response to reports of a burglary.
They said: “I don’t think we were shocked. There’s always police coming down to this part of the high street.
“The whole high street is losing footfall because of anti-social behaviour along this part of Fore Street.
“There’s a plague of anti-social behaviour here, and it’s killing the high street.”
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