Questions Raised Over Enforcement of Wrexham’s Public Space Protection Orders

Questions have been raised over the enforcement of Wrexham’s Public Space Protection Orders following reports that only five enforcement orders have been issued by Wrexham Council.

On Saturday Wrexham.com reported that Wrexham MP Ian Lucas had called for a combined approach from the police, council and the public can help tackle antisocial behaviour in the town centre and surrounding areas.

Wrexham currently has two Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in place – one which covers Rhosddu Cemetery and Park and a second which covers the town centre.

However Wrexham MP Ian Lucas has questioned if more could be done to tackle antisocial behaviour after being told Wrexham Council have issued five orders..

Mr Lucas said: “The council have told me that, so far, their officers have issued just five enforcement notices on people who have breached the order – that’s one a fortnight.

“Constituents are telling me every week of concerns over anti-social behaviour in the town centre and other areas of Wrexham, and I think many of those people would want to see more being done to tackle the issue.

“The council should be commended for bringing in the PSPO and listening to people’s concerns – but, where there are problems, I think most people would want to see the council taking action to enforce the breaches.”

However Lead Member for Communities and Partnerships, Cllr Hugh Jones said the true measure of the PSPO’s success will be in the number of people who are rehabilitated, not the amount of tickets issued.

When the PSPO was introduced in the town centre over summer 2016 it was stressed that a ‘multi-faceted approach’ would be enforced.

At the time it was noted that as part of the multi-faceted approach, several options have been looked at, including former addicts working as peer mentors to those who need help in Wrexham and the creation of a through the day provision for service users.

Responding to Mr Lucas’ comments, Cllr Jones said: “I’ve stressed before that the issuing of penalties under the PSPO is an absolute last resort – it was never intended to be a blunt instrument which would penalise those in need of support, and we do everything we can to ensure such individuals are signposted to suitable services and partner agencies.

“The number of people rehabilitated as a result of the PSPO will be the true measure of its success; not the amount of tickets issued.

“Moreover, the council is not the sole enforcer of the PSPO, and we work alongside North Wales Police to ensure it is properly enforced.”