Wiltshire Council is currently running a public consultation on a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Chippenham town centre and John Coles Park, at the request of police.
The council says this step is in response to citizens and businesses complaining about street drinking, anti-social conduct, drug use, and public urination, excrement, and immorality.
If enacted, the order would prohibit street drinking and grant cops the authority to remove groups or people from the area for 48 hours.
Anyone who violates the injunction could be fined £100 on the spot.
Responding to the consultation, Chippenham Town Council’s planning committee opted to approve a PSPO to address these issues, despite the fact that ant-social behaviour in the area is not severe.
Cllr Nic Puntis stated, “This isn’t us admitting we have a massive problem; it’s trying to nip something in the bud with an extra tool in the armoury to ensure we don’t end up with a bigger problem.”
“It’s obviously got to that tipping point where the police and Wiltshire Council have decided this needs to be considered.”
Cllr Matthew Short added: “While it is not a huge issue at the moment, police have previously had problems with people drinking under The Buttercross.
“I think it supports the work of Unity House rehabilitating people by not having alcohol which is causing distress to residents in the nearby area.”
Cllr Dominic Muns, cabinet member for the environment, stated that the majority of answers have backed the measures.
He continued, “Thank you to everyone who has given us their opinions up to this point; however, in order for more people to have their say, we especially want to hear from homeowners and businesses affected by anti-social activity.
“While Wiltshire is still a fairly safe county, it is our obligation as a council to protect our inhabitants and businesses from damage.
“We believe that a PSPO in Chippenham will help reassure our residents and reduce some of the anti-social behaviour that is being seen in the town.”
Residents and businesses can provide feedback on the plans by visiting www.wiltshire.gov.uk/community-safety-pspo-chippenham.
Hard copies can be obtained by contacting ASB@wiltshire.gov.uk.
The consultation will last until March 2, and any feedback received will be reviewed before a final decision is made.
The mayor continued: “I’d encourage those who haven’t yet done so to go online to read the proposal and have your say.”
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