Crackdown on Anti-Social Behaviour in Southall

New laws come into effect giving additional powers to police and council staff

(PSPO for Southall Town Centre)

From 12 March large areas of Southall will be part of two new Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), in a bid to cut down on crime and anti-social behaviour.

One covers Southall Town Centre, the other covers six parks/spaces in Southall. These spaces include Southall Park, Spikes Bridge Park, Wolf Fields, Southall Recreation Ground, and Manor House Grounds/Havelock Cemetery.

( Southall Park PSPO)

The decision was made to implement the PSPOs after an eight week public consultation was carried out by the council in 2017.

From the consultation, more than 95% of respondents felt that the behaviours which would be addressed by the PSPOs negatively affect their quality of life and over 77% completely support the introduction of the PSPOs.

Council officers say they will continue to work with residents, police and other local organisations to solve these long-term anti-social behaviour issues.

These include anti-social street drinking, loitering in groups which are engaging in anti-social behaviour, urinating or defecating in public areas, drunk adults using the children’s playground, littering with bottles, cans or drugs paraphernalia and using illegal drugs or psychoactive substances in public areas.

People who refuse to abide by the conditions when challenged will be subject to a £100 fixed penalty notice. The order will last for three years, unless the council varies the length during that time. 

Councillor Ranjit Dheer, cabinet member for community services and safety, said: “We’ve seen success in other PSPOs in the borough, so we expect the area of Southall to benefit. 

"The increased enforcement will discourage anti-social behaviour and improve the quality of life for residents and also people who work and visit in the area.”

Residents in Hanwell who have reported increased anti-social activity believe it may be as a result of both West Ealing and Southall having PSPOs. They want the W7 area to be covered too.

A council spokesperson, said: “The police and the council are working closely together to address anti-social behaviour issues in Hanwell.   Public Spaces Protection Orders are just one proactive criminal and civil enforcement measure that we can use to make our communities safer.  The outcomes of the West Ealing PSPO and Southall PSPOs are being closely analysed to build on the approach that has been developed and consider the evidence base for consultation on a possible borough wide PSPO in 2018, encompassing Hanwell.

“We would encourage all residents who have concerns about criminal or anti-social activity to contact police on 101 and, in an emergency, always 999.  Residents can also report concerns anonymously to Crime Stoppers on: 0800 555 111. Residents can follow up any police report to the council’s safer communities team on 020 8825 5994 or at safercommunities@ealing.gov.uk.”

12th March 2018