What anti-social behaviour crackdown could mean for city

A new order to tackle "persistent and escalating" levels of anti-social behaviour as well as rising crime could be introduced in Wolverhampton city centre.

It would give the city council and police officers more powers, but what effect will this have on those who regularly visit the affected area?

The city council's cabinet has been recommended to approve the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) on Wednesday.

It follows concerns raised over behaviour including drinking and drug taking on the streets and urinating in building entrances.

The order would introduce "targeted restrictions", such as prohibiting street drinking and "aggressive begging".

The report councillors will consider states that over the past 18 months, residents and businesses had repeatedly raised concerns, including:

• The consumption of alcohol on the streets including individuals congregating around benches and bus stops
• The visible use of individuals using injectable drugs in full view of members of the public
• People loitering in doorways, blocking emergency exits
• Defecating and urinating in building entrances such as the Art Gallery
• Begging openly taking place, sometimes aggressively in the city centre
• E-scooters and E-bikes illegally being used in public places, potentially endangering pedestrians
• People using large speakers to play loud music in public areas

Anti-social behaviour within the city centre significantly affects perceptions of safety amongst residents, deterring them from visiting, the report said.

The proposed PSPO would introduce "targeted" restrictions including:

• Banning the drinking of alcohol in the street, unless within an area licenced to sell it
• Prohibition of persistent loitering or aggressive begging
• Public urination/defecation, except within public toilets, would be prohibited
• Stopping people from restricting or blocking doorways containing fire exits
• Amplified equipment and musical instruments will be banned unless given the appropriate permission
• The illegal riding of E-bikes or E-scooters will be banned within the restriction zone

A PSPO is currently in place covering the city's bus station and Pipers Row area, which entered into force in June 2024 and remains in force until June 2027.

Groups of three or more people can be ordered to leave the area covered by the PSPO if their behaviour is deemed to be causing, or is likely to cause, nuisance, harassment, alarm or distress to others using the space.

This would continue in its current form, with the new area affected indicated on a map issued by the council.

The local authority has assured members of the public the measure has been designed to only target those responsible for violence and anti-social behaviour.

It said the order will also not discriminate against those legitimately wearing a face covering, for example for medical reasons or religious purposes.

It also said some of the prohibitions under the PSPO may have an impact on vulnerable people who have complex needs, but this was an opportunity to help and offer opportunities to improve their situation.

It is proposed the measures are introduced initially for three years.

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