Plans have been revealed to ban begging and limit drinking alcohol in the street in Yeovil.
South Somerset District Council (SSDC) believes the passing of Public Space Protection Orders will help to cut anti-social behaviour in the town.
The plan is to use the orders to outlaw street begging in the main shopping centre, while an order to curb street drinking is planned to be enforced in the wider town centre including the hospital, the Tesco superstore, and Sidney Gardens.
A council spokesman said: "The council would like to make a Public Space Protection Order to make it an offence to fail to stop consuming intoxicating liquor when required to do so by a police officer, police community support officer or an authorised officer from the council.
"It would also be an offence to fail to surrender anything in their possession which a police officer, police community support officer or an authorised officer from the council reasonably believes to be intoxicating liquor or a container for intoxicating liquor when required to do so.
"In a separate Order, the council also wants to make it an offence to approach another person either verbally or through action in order to beg from the other person.
"The PSPOs will apply to certain areas of the town centre in Yeovil.
"A PSPO can last no longer than three years but can be renewed if necessary.
"Failure to comply with the order can result in a fine or a fixed penalty notice."
The council is set to consult residents on the proposals.
To pass these orders, the council needs to prove the following:
- Activities carried on (or likely will be carried on) within the authority’s area have (or will have) a detrimental effect on the quality of life in the locality.
- The effect, or likely effect, of the activities:
- is persistent or continuing in nature; and
- is unreasonable
- justifies the restrictions imposed by the notice.
Why does the council need to consult?
As part of the designation process, the council is required to undertake consultation with locals
A council spokesman said: "We really want your views on how you feel affected by street drinking and street begging.
"We also want to understand how applying the PSPOs might affect you visiting the town centre and whether you think it is a good or bad idea for the area.
"It’s also important to note that SSDC offers a wide range of services to support the most vulnerable in society including those in financial difficulty or seeking a home."
How can you have your say?
Between Tuesday May 28 and Sunday July 7, you can have your say by visiting the South Somerset District Council website and taking a survey.
There will also be pop-up consultation events in Yeovil town centre in mid to late June to collect the views of people in the town centre.
What do you think about the plans? Email tomas.malloy@reachplc.com about this or other Yeovil area stories.
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