Town Centre PSPO Orders Introduced

Swale Borough Council have teamed up with Kent Police to implement measures to tackle anti-social behaviour, such as street drinking and youth nuisance, in Sittingbourne High Street.

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) are in place to address street drinking and give officers from Kent Police and the council powers to give fines or take court action, to make the high street a safer place.

The police are taking enforcement action against offenders and are building cases to prosecute individuals who are found to be committing acts of anti-social behaviour. Swale Borough Council’s Rough Sleepers Team have been working closely with the police to help any individuals who are homeless, however, many offenders have been found to not be rough sleepers.

Local charities, Forward Trust and Brogdale CIC, are also working to tackle the root cause of this behaviour by engaging with these groups and offering the support they need to change their behaviour.  

The council’s licensing team have been working with licensed premises on the high street to make sure they are selling alcohol responsibly and looking after the welfare of their customers through limiting their alcohol consumption.

The council’s Safer Streets project, including uniformed marshals patrolling the high street, bolstering the council’s Swale Link project and additional CCTV, has also contributed to tackling these issues.

Cllr Richard Palmer, Chair of Swale Borough Council’s Community and Leisure Committee, told SFM News: “We want people to feel safe when visiting Sittingbourne High Street, and sadly some individuals who carry out anti-social behaviour are going against that aim. That is why we have created a robust action plan, working with multiple agencies, to tackle things like excessive public drinking and all the negativity that comes with that. We have already been working towards a safer community through our Safer Streets project, but it is great to get the backing of the police and other agencies to this behaviour, that frankly has no place in Swale. We will continue our efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour, but we need your help. If you witness anything please contact the police on 101 or report it online – together, with the police, we can create a safer community for everyone.”

Swale Inspector Vanessa Foster told SFM news: “Kent Police is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and will not tolerate intimidating or nuisance behaviour. As well as ensuring officers regularly patrol the area, we are also working closely with partner agencies, including the council, to ensure there is a joined-up approach in tackling ongoing issues. This close working partnership allows the police to utilise their powers where appropriate but also means the council can ensure they are taking action where they need to. We are all committed to making sure that residents and visitors feel safe and enjoy all the area has to offer when they are here.”