Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is planning to impose a public space protection order (PSPO) in Kidsgrove town centre to tackle a sharp rise in anti-social behaviour.
Reports of anti-social behaviour in the area increased by 54% over the past 12 months, with 177 incidents recorded. The council said the proposed order would address "persistent behaviours" including street drinking, aggressive begging and riding e-scooters.
What the order would cover
The PSPO would apply to Kidsgrove town centre and mirror an existing order already in place in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre.
Michelle Hopper, neighbourhood delivery manager, said: "The order is intended to address a number of persistent behaviours that are having a detrimental impact on residents, businesses and visitors to the town centre. It provides proportionate powers to tackle those behaviours when engagement and other interventions have proved insufficient."
Breaches and enforcement
Anyone breaching the order could face a £100 fine or prosecution. If adopted following consultation, the PSPO would remain in force for three years before being reviewed.
Why the council is taking action
Councillor Simon Kasperowicz gave an example of the impact on local businesses. He said: "I couldn't go and pay for petrol at Tesco because they'd locked the doors after two well-known drug addicts had come in and tried to steal things and were kicking off with staff."
Kasperowicz said many people felt they had to accept anti-social behaviour due to a perceived lack of response from authorities, with some staff reluctant to report incidents because "nothing gets done".
Next steps
The proposal is subject to a 12-week consultation period. Residents and businesses can feed back during this time before any final decision is made.