Revised Public Space Protection Order for the city launched
Posted on Thursday 18th October 2018
Newport city centre PSPO launched
Newport City Council will be launching its updated Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the city centre this week.
The launch will coincide with the City Centre Action Day today, Thursday, 18 October when the council’s Cabinet Member for Licensing and Regulation Councillor Ray Truman will join council partners including Gwent Police, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, housing associations and third sector organisations to promote the community safety message.
The Action Day, centred around St Paul’s Walk, aims to improve the well-being of the city centre, address crime and anti-social behaviour concerns, build community trust and confidence in partner organisations and promote community involvement.
The first city centre PSPO was introduced in November 2015 and earlier this year the council decided it was a good time to review it, taking into account what has worked over the past two years, what restrictions need to be kept or revised and whether new restrictions were needed to tackle other forms of anti-social behaviour in the city centre.
Following consultation with the public the city centre PSPO has tighter controls on begging and anti-social behaviour.
Cllr Truman said: “We consulted with the public over the revised city centre PSPO and the new restrictions on begging and anti social behaviour will give the police the powers to tackle this.
“The partnership approach is essential so we all work together to help make Newport a safer and more pleasant place to live and work.”
Newport City Centre Inspector John Davies of Gwent Police welcomed the revised city centre PSPO and the extra powers it provides.
He said: “Public Spaces Protection Orders are being used in the city to protect our communities from behaviour that is having, or is likely to have, a detrimental effect on their quality of life.
“The powers given by the new PSPO will ensure our main priorities of tackling anti-social behaviour and begging can be enforced holistically with our partners. It is just a small part of the work, which is going on all the time to make the city a safe place that people will want to live, work and visit.
“I would encourage anyone who is suffering with a particular issue in their community to contact their local Neighbourhood Team to discuss their concerns, or call 101. If a crime is taking place, please always dial 999.”