Alcohol-related anti-social behaviour to be addressed in shopping precinct

THE issue of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the Avon Place precinct could be resolved by a Public Spaces Protection Order, that will enable police to move people on who are drinking alcohol there.

At the economic, development and planning committee meeting on Tuesday 22nd August, councillors voted in support for the Order to be issued, which will be managed by Wiltshire Council.

This follows complaints the town council has received from local businesses – Haine & Smith keep their door locked during opening hours due to damage and theft incidents, Costa recently had a window smashed and W J Beaven Quality Butchers agree that the order will help make them and their customers much happier.

Melksham Town Council has offered to supply evidence to Wiltshire Council to help with a consultation they will conduct to explore the demand for the Order.

It was raised by cllr Graham Ellis that the off licence, along from Avon Place precinct, should also be contacted as the Order could impact their business. Councillors were in agreement to do this and cllr Sue Mortimer also asked whether the Order could be introduced to cover other areas in the town, as the issue of alcohol-related ASB could spread to other places.

She said, “I think it is quite possible that they would move on to the Prince of Wales Garden. I wondered if we can do an Order on that as well. When we are at the Round House, there is a lot of drinking there anyway and the people living along there would certainly be able to provide some evidence.”

Town council clerk, Linda Roberts replied, “I will take this up with Wiltshire Council and the officers that are doing this consultation and liaise with Sergeant Gemma Rutter.

“At the end of the day, it’s the police that will have to manage moving anyone on. The police will probably have an answer, so we can find that out and get back to you.”

This discussion follows a recent full town council meeting where cllr Colin Goodhind put forward the request for the Order to be issued. At that meeting, Sergeant Gemma Rutter agreed that introducing the Order is probably the most effective way to address the problem of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

A spokesperson for the town council said “From a council and police perspective, it’s a great opportunity to show how we’re working together to support local businesses.”