A consultation regarding a proposed Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle street drinking in Bedford town centre has begun – and the council would like your views.
A survey carried out in 2019 found that alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in the town was a key concern for local residents.
In response, the Council along with other partners, is proposing a PSPO to cover the town centre from the Embankment in the south, St Cuthbert’s Street in the east, De Parys Avenue and Roff Avenue in the north, and Ashburnham Road in the west.
You can take part in the consultation here.
This PSPO would prohibit people consuming alcohol or having an open container of alcohol in the defined area, to prevent anti-social behaviour.
If approved, the PSPO would be enforced in a graduated way from asking the person to surrender the alcohol, issuing a Community Protection Notice, a criminal behaviour order, to issuing a fixed penalty notice.
The Council will continue to offer support for people where appropriate, such as referral to alcohol support services.
Cllr Colleen Atkins, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Regulatory Services said, “The proposed PSPO is aiming to tackle an issue that was identified by local people as a key concern for the town centre area, i.e. anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol.
“We want to know what residents and businesses think of this proposal and how we can work together to tackle street drinking in Bedford. Have your say and find out more at www.bedford.gov.uk/pspo.”
The consultation closes at 9am on Monday 2 November.
