York to expand crackdown on street drinking and gangs

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 17:11 · Archive

York Council is expanding powers to tackle street drinking and intimidating behaviour in the city centre and considering extending them to other areas.

York Council has approved expanding powers under a public space protection order (PSPO) covering the city centre to tackle street drinking and antisocial behaviour. The new powers would allow those in breach to be removed from the city centre for up to four hours.

The council's executive agreed to consider bringing in PSPOs to Haxby and Acomb's Front Street after hearing from Westfield ward councillor Andrew Waller that antisocial behaviour there was intimidating young people and families and threatening business viability. Labour council safer communities spokesperson Cllr Anna Perrett said she supported extending powers to help residents go about their business without fear of intimidation.

A survey conducted in August and September gathered more than 500 responses, with respondents describing the behaviour as intimidating and damaging York's reputation. The expanded PSPO powers would cover groups of people shouting, being aggressive or disruptive, or engaging in alcohol-fuelled behaviour likely to cause fear or confrontation. They would also address persistent requests for money or donations, and blocking people's paths, particularly near cash machines.

York to expand crackdown on street drinking and gangs — Image: The Press (York)

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How it is being reported

York areas 'troubled by street drinkers and gangs' prompts crackdown expansion callA crackdown on intimidating behaviour in York should be expanded, a councillor has said.The Press (York) · 5 Nov, 16:23
York areas 'troubled by street drinkers and gangs' prompts crackdown expansion callA crackdown on intimidating behaviour in York should be expanded, a councillor has said.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 5 Nov, 16:23

In this story: York Council · York · Andrew Waller · Anna Perrett · Haxby and Acomb · Front Street

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