Swindon Borough Council, working alongside Wiltshire Police, has introduced a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) covering Swindon town centre and Broadgreen.
The order, which came into effect following strong public support, gives officers from both the council and police the authority to challenge and fine those whose actions put others at risk or make the area less welcoming.
It means restrictions on street drinking, public urination and the reckless riding of bicycles, as well as a ban on e-bikes and e-scooters in the designated zone.
The consultation saw more than 730 residents respond, with nine in ten in favour of the order being introduced.
Councillor Jim Grant, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said the measure formed part of the council’s long-term Heart of Swindon plan:
“We’re committed to creating a town centre where people feel safe and want to spend time in. The PSPO is an important step in supporting our police partners to take action against individuals whose behaviour has a negative impact on the area.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson welcomed the move, saying:
“By working with Wiltshire Police and our partners to increase patrols and continue to employ Community Safety Wardens, we can use the PSPO as a tool to tackle anti-social behaviour which has a profoundly negative effect on residents’ lives.”
Local Inspector David Tippetts added that such behaviour – from street drinking to dangerous e-scooter use – has long discouraged people from visiting the town centre.
“Through ongoing work with our partners, we’re determined to make the town centre and Broadgreen more pleasant places for all,” he said.
The order gives council officers, police and Community Safety Wardens the power to issue on-the-spot Fixed Penalty Notices of up to £100, with repeat offenders facing fines of up to £1,000 in court.
The move is aimed at giving residents, shoppers and businesses more confidence in the town centre, while making it clear that anti-social behaviour will not be ignored.
