Decision details

(1)  In the light of the outcome of the consultation, and consideration of the legislative criteria for adopting Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), to make the Bath City Order and Midsomer Norton Order as set out in Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 of the report.

(2)  To request the Head of Legal Services, or an authorised signatory on their behalf, to sign and seal the Bath City Order and the Midsomer Norton Order.

(3)  To request the Head of Corporate Office to undertake publicity relating to any agreed Order.

(4)  To request the Community Safety Partnership to receive regular monitoring reports on the impact of the PSPOs, including equality impacts, and updates on support and treatment available for people who misuse alcohol, including street drinkers.

(5)  To thank those who were involved in the consultation process and publicise the outcomes of the consultation.

(6)  To agree that the decisions for future PSPO Order Renewals for Bath City and Midsomer Norton should be dealt with as single member decisions.

There are complaints about groups of people who regularly congregate in certain areas and often behave in an unpleasant manner to anyone passing by.

Key areas of concern include Widcombe, Manvers Street, Abbey Church Yard, Kingsmead Square, Riverview Court Area, Palace Yard Mews sheltered car parks, Westgate, North Parade Bridge, river yards from the weir, Milsom Street, Union Street, High Street and Hedgemead Park, Moorland Road, Memorial Gardens at Shaftesbury Road and the lane between Canterbury Road and Junction Road. Issues have also been identified surrounding Henrietta Park.

Consultation comments have highlighted the importance of active enforcement of PSPOs and police presence with regards to enforcing these.

Evidence from the consultation demonstrates that antisocial behaviour caused by alcohol consumption has had a detrimental effect on the quality of life of people in the City of Bath and Midsomer Norton. This includes:

·  Reports of residents avoiding the city centre because of feeling intimidated or having concerns for their safety due to anti-social drinking.

·  Intimidation caused by anti-social behaviour such as aggressive begging, shouting, swearing, and abuse targeted at passersby.

·  Frequent noise, littering and damage caused by alcohol related anti-social behaviour. This includes broken glass from alcohol bottles anywhere in the city centre.

Take no action.  This would result in reduced enforcement powers for Avon and Somerset Police to tackle anti-social behaviour.