We would like to hear the views of people who live in Torbay on two proposed Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) to address anti-social behaviour (ASB). Both orders will be introduced under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. 

A PSPO is a positive way to help prevent ASB. It can provide an effective response to some of the issues that local people and businesses face on a daily basis.  

We are proposing to increase the current restrictions on consumption of alcohol in Town Centre areas. The proposed PSPO will prohibit the consumption of alcohol in defined public spaces and the carrying of unsealed containers of alcohol. If someone is observed to be drinking alcohol in the defined zones within Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, then an authorised officer or the Police can inform them of the PSPO and ask them to stop drinking.  

In addition, a new PSPO is proposed to introduce powers to help challenge people involved in anti-social behaviour, nuisance, or disturbance. The new dispersal powers PSPO is proposed to include powers for the Police, and authorised officers, to direct any individuals causing nuisance or disorder out from Torquay Town Centre dispersal zone and not to return for up to 24 hours or face enforcement.  
 
If someone is observed to be behaving in a way that causes, or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to any persons within the defined zone, then an authorised officer or the Police can inform them of the PSPO and ask them to leave the area.  
 
Under the conditions of the PSPOs, someone can receive a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of up to £100 if they fail to follow the orders’ conditions and the instructions of enforcement officers. The PSPOs are proposed to commence in spring 2024 to cover a three-year period to 2027. 
 
These PSPOs are part of co-ordinated response to address local concerns, that includes the use of Public Spaces Protection Orders around multiple anti-social behaviours. An additional consultation relating to a PSPO to control dog fouling across the Torbay area is currently taking place.  

As part of the measures to address ASB, we are also introducing more Street Wardens and new Anti-social Behaviour (ASB) and Environmental Crime Enforcement Officers. This will at least double the number of ASB Enforcement Officers that are currently working across Torbay. 

Councillor Hayley Tranter, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, said; “Public Spaces Protection Orders are a great tool for us to manage anti-social behaviour across the Bay. Individuals and groups who cause distress or harassment to the public can have a significant negative impact on people visiting our town centres.  We want to create safer streets and town centres where people can visit with confidence, allowing local businesses to thrive. 

“I would encourage everyone who lives in the Bay to look at the information about these orders and complete the consultation surveys.” 

 

Cllr David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, said; “We’ve been listening to local people that live and work in Torbay who have shared their concerns over on-street drinking and a fear of anti-social behaviour. The Public Spaces Protection Orders are part of a multi-pronged approach we have recently announced to deal with a number of these concerns.  

“The proposed PSPO for alcohol free zones represents a change to current restrictions, which, if approved, would mean that people can no longer drink alcohol in defined streets and public areas of our towns. The proposed PSPO to allow the dispersal of people engaged in anti-social behaviour from Torquay Town Centre further supports our efforts to create safe streets and towns for residents and visitors to enjoy.  

“I’d encourage local people to have their say on these orders and support our efforts to address local concerns.” 

The consultation on the two proposed PSPOs is now open and will close at midnight on Tuesday 27 February. For more information on the orders, and to complete the consultations, please visit the consultation pages of the Council website (at Consultations - Torbay Council).