New anti-social behaviour rules will help Swansea city centre become a more welcoming place to live in, work in and visit.
A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) has been promoted since December – and formally came into force this month.
It applies to behaviour such as going to the toilet in public, drug-taking and drunkenness – and everybody is being asked to comply.
People who are vulnerable due to circumstances such as homelessness will be treated sensitively; housing and outreach services will be involved.
The PSPO – part of a broader and coordinated Swansea approach to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and street vulnerability – is designed to boost the city centre which is already being improved.
A £1bn regeneration programme is delivering eye-catching developments such as Swansea Arena, an all-day Wind Street and a greener, more attractive Kingsway.
The PSPO – which had widespread public support in a public consultation – means that alcohol and drugs such as legal highs being consumed on the streets can be confiscated before the situation becomes a problem. Fixed penalty notices can now be issued for ASB such as excessive swearing and aggression. Other action can be taken to deal with persistent troublemakers.
December saw the start of an engagement and education phase of the PSPO in areas currently patrolled by the city centre rangers plus the Marina. It will also apply to the Copr Bay coastal park and bridge once they open to the public. If successful, PSPOs could be introduced in areas such as SA1, Swansea Beach and the centre of Morriston.
Separate PSPOs are being developed for two other locations with a history of ASB – a lane off St Helen’s Road and a tunnel linking The Strand with the High Street; the tunnel is closed at the moment due to building work.
Robert Francis-Davies, the council cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “Our new powers – working with those the police already have – will help residents, businesses, shoppers, workers and visitors enjoy our fast-improving city centre.
“PSPOs are already in place in other towns and cities. People in Swansea are fed up with anti-social behaviour and want something done about it – the PSPO scheme will help address the issue. People should not feel intimidated or threatened by ASB.”
Every year, hundreds of complaints about ASB are made to Swansea city centre rangers. Police records show it to be a key issue affecting the city centre.
Since December, rangers have been explaining to people how the PSPO will work and how – by not being involved in anti-social behaviour – they can comply.
In that time there were more than 120 interventions by rangers. Issues included drinking alcohol off a licensed premises, going to the toilet in public and public order.
A small number of individuals were addressed on multiple occasions. A holistic approach is being taken with them through work with a number of agencies and council teams.
Rangers have had additional training, including bespoke sessions on better understanding and engaging with those who are vulnerable.
Enforcement will continue to be a last resort with people first being given a warning and asked to remedy their behaviour. Subsequent actions could include fixed penalty notices or other ASB powers being used.
Rangers continue to work closely with the police and outreach services so that actions are tailored to the individual. This could mean additional support for those who need it.
Information is shared with key partners and used to help inform future interventions and support processes.
Close monitoring of the scheme will continue to test the effectiveness of the PSPO and to make it as useful as possible to all.
Alyson Pugh, the council’s cabinet member for supporting communities, said: “The council community safety team’s endeavours to address ASB issues continue to benefit from excellent work with partners.
“I’m pleased that our PSPO is being operated in such a way that the most vulnerable people will continue to be treated with respect and support from our staff who are being trained so well.”
Andrea Lewis, joint deputy council leader, said: “ASB exists in most UK towns and cities. We hope our PSPOs will help reduce it in Swansea whilst we continue to treat vulnerable people with sensitivity.
“Our PSPOs aren’t aimed at the homeless or rough sleepers; people who often have complex problems and deserve our support to help them manage their lives.
“We have established mechanisms in place with the excellent outreach services that work hard to support vulnerable people.
“The council supports the homeless with medical and social care as well as finding them a place to live.”
Swansea BID chief executive Russell Greenslade said: “These new measures have been welcomed by our stakeholders; they’re all working hard to help the city centre thrive and prosper.
“The issue of ASB is raised by businesses, consumers and visitors quite frequently and it’s important that we all do what’s necessary to improve things.
“Of course, there are complex issues at the heart of ASB and I know all the agencies involved will carry out their duties in a sensitive and professional way.”
