Call to widen city anti-social behaviour powers

Powers to clamp down on intimidating behaviour in York could be extended beyond the city centre, a council meeting has heard.

City of York Council's executive has agreed to look at bringing in public space protection orders (PSPOs) in Haxby and Acomb's Front Street after approving new powers for one covering the city centre.

Under the current order anyone who falls foul of the PSPO can be removed from the city centre for up to four hours.

Councillor Andrew Waller told the meeting that similar measures were needed in Front Street and Haxby to deal with behaviour moving away from the centre once those powers were enforced.

Labour council safer communities spokesperson councillor Anna Perrett said she was happy to look at extending measures.

A survey carried out by the authority earlier this year garnered more than 500 responses, with people saying anti-social behaviour was damaging York's reputation

The executive heard on Tuesday alcohol-related disorder, intimidating and aggressive approaches from people including those selling "gag mags" and representing charities were frequently referenced in the consultation.

The meeting was told additional restrictions added to the PSPO covered people persistently asking for money, food or other donations or pressuring or intimidating people into giving them.

Following, nagging or blocking the path of people, hindering their passage or standing close to them in situations such as by a cash machine would also be covered, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Council communities lead Pauline Stuchfield said the measures aimed to keep the city centre safe, welcoming and accessible to everyone.

Referring to problems elsewhere, Waller, Liberal Democrat councillor for Westfield ward, said: "Residents have approached me with their concerns about coming into Front Street where there have been groups of street drinkers and businesses have been troubled by gangs later in the evening.

"There's widespread concern about this in the local community, people feel intimidated coming to their high street."

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