Councillors are hopeful new police powers will end issues with “anti-social behaviour and street drinking” that have troubled the area.
On Friday, November 15, a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was implemented for Devizes and will cover the town centre and Green Lane.
This order has been introduced to address issues with street drinking and anti-social behaviour in the area.
Speaking after the news, Cllr Vanessa Tanner told this paper she hopes the measures will help police tackle a long-term issue with street drinking.
She said: “It’s excellent news that Wiltshire Council have now implemented a PSPO in The Market Place and on The Green.
“These measures will go some way to addressing the street drinking and associated anti-social behaviour which have been an issue in our town for some time.
“All town councillors and officers are committed to ensuring that our town is a pleasant and attractive place for residents and visitors to the town.”
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Any offenders can also be dispersed from the area for 48 hours, and anyone breaching the order could be issued a £100 fine which could rise to £1,000 if not paid.
This comes after police reported a high level of “spontaneous violence incidents” in the town.
Cllr Jonathan Hunter, the leader of Devizes Guardians, added: “The new order will give residents and visitors from out-of-town renewed confidence they can go about their business, without the fear of anti-social behaviour having an impact on their quality of life or a negative experience, when visiting Devizes.
“I am grateful for the collaboration and excellent teamwork from The Police and the OPCC, alongside officers and councillors from both Wiltshire and Devizes Town Council.
“Also, my thanks go to the wider community, who have brilliantly contributed to the consultation.
“We are very fortunate to have such a strong community.”
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Inspector Simon Garrett said: “We very much welcome the PSPO which is the result of strong partnership work between Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Council.
“It will provide our officers with additional powers to deal with anti-social behaviour associated with street drinking and groups congregating together.
“We are aware that such incidents will naturally cause concern within the local community.
“Devizes Neighbourhood Policing Team will proactively police the order and respond to any concerns reported by members of the public.
“Any breaches of the Order will be dealt with robustly.”
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