‘Robust’ Clampdown on Anti-Social Behaviour Proposed For Wrexham Park

An order which would clamp down on anti-social behaviour, the use of tobacco, e-cigarettes and the consumption of alcohol in a Wrexham Park could soon be enforced. 

In a consultation launched by Wrexham Council it has been proposed that a PSPO (Public Space Protection Order) is enforced at Rhosddu Park to clampdown on anti-social behaviour which frequently takes place in the area.

The consultation, which launched on October 16th is asking residents for their opinions and feedback on the proposed introduction of a PSPO.

A PSPO was a power given to local Councils under the new Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act in October 2014. The orders’ allow local Councils to put certain conditions on specific areas which are experiencing problems with Crime or Antisocial Behaviour’.

The proposed PSPO order would see consuming alcohol in the park, using ‘intoxicating substances’, sleeping in the premises after dark, smoking tobacco and e-cigarettes; littering, urinating / defecating and dog fowling banned from the park area. Dogs would also have to be kept under control at all times.

If the powers are enforced then fixed penalty fines of £100 can be issued or people can be prosecuted at court. It is likely the PSPO will be enforced by Police Officers, PCSO’s, Council enforcement Officers, and Rangers.

Issues at Rhosddu Park have been raised several times over the past few years, with local residents regularly commenting on the anti-social behaviour issues in the area.

Back in July 2015 Wrexham.com reported that a number of residents living in Rhosddu, particularly around the park had called for the area to be made into an alcohol free-zone. As a result of the anti-social behaviour in the area a number of parents have previously stated that they no longer feel comfortable taking their children to the park.

In an accompanying document to the proposed PSPO, Wrexham Council state that they are looking to introduce the order into this park because: “Currently Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC) and North Wales Police have received a lot of calls from concerned residents and people working and shopping in the area about negative behaviours in the park.

“Local Councillors and the MP have equally received a high number of complaints. The introduction of this Order it is hoped will help to reduce these calls.”

A statement on Wrexham Council’s website regarding the notice, adds: “The new PSPO, will introduce additional prohibitions and will enable Officers from North Wales Police and designated officers within Wrexham County Borough Council to deal more robustly with offenders at the time of occurrence.

“The intention is to provide a deterrent to those considering participating in the activities outlined above. Officers will have the power to request people to leave, issue on the spot fines or report people for summons.”

The consultation period opened on the 16th October 2015 and will close on the 20th November 2015, and Wrexham Council are asking for any representations to be made by this date.

Anyone who has any feedback on the proposed Order is encouraged to write to Wrexham Council, stating the reasons for your objection, by email for the attention of:

Alison Smallwood at [email protected], or by post to The Head of Housing, Public Protection and Environmental Services, Wrexham County Borough Council, Ruthin Road Offices, Wrexham, LL13 7TU.

If you have any queries or would like more information about the proposed PSPO, you can contact us at the Joint Safer Communities unit on 01978 292000, or the local member Councillor Steve Wilson on 01978 355879.

Further information on the proposed PSPO, what it would entail and an FAQ can all be found on the Wrexham Council website, here.

*Picture – Google