Walsall renews ban on drinking and public defecation in town centre

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 06:23 · Archive

Walsall has renewed a public spaces protection order banning drinking, urination, defecation and other anti-social behaviour in the town centre until 2029.

Walsall has renewed its Public Spaces Protection Order, which bans drinking alcohol, urination, defecation, intoxicating substances and persistent or aggressive begging in designated town centre streets and public spaces. The order also prohibits behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm, distress or nuisance, the disposal of needles and paraphernalia, and requires dog owners to keep pets on a lead or under physical control within the restricted area. Restrictions apply 24/7 to roads, public footpaths, communal car parks and green spaces in the designated zone.

The renewed order, in place until October 18, 2029, adds the Walsall Arboretum Junction as a new hotspot following concerns about persistent begging. West Midlands Police and authorised community protection officers from Walsall Council have the power to enforce the order against breaches.

Counsillor Ian Benton, portfolio holder for street scene and enforcement at Walsall Council, said the order has been 'an important tool in tackling anti-social behaviour since it was first introduced in 2017'. He stated that the renewal used feedback from residents and businesses alongside intelligence from West Midlands Police to address emerging issues and hotspots. The council said it will use the order's powers to take action against behaviour that 'intimidates, harasses or disrupts others' and affects people's ability to use public spaces safely.

How it is being reported

• People face fines of up to £1k for drinking, weeing or pooing in Walsall streetsThe renewed Public Spaces Protection Order will be in place until October 18, 2029BirminghamLive · 3 Nov, 05:35
• New hotspots added to Walsall town centre anti-social behaviour public orderThe renewed order gives authorised officers enforcement powers around anti-social behaviour in Walsall town centre.Express & Star · 2 Nov, 13:28

In this story: Walsall · Walsall Council · West Midlands Police · Ian Benton · Walsall Arboretum Junction

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