Two towns set for tougher anti-social behaviour rules to tackle e-bikes and begging

Police and council officers are to be given more powers to tackle anti-social behaviour in two West Yorkshire town centres.

New measures to address nuisance behaviour involving e-bikes, scooters and skateboards are included in proposals to target offenders in Castleford and Pontefract.

Authorities will also be able to take a tougher stance on aggressive begging near cash machines and people sleeping in shop doorways.

Restrictions on climbing on statues and public artwork, using loud hailers or erecting tents will be added to new public spaces protection orders (PSPO) planned for both town town centres.

Wakefield Council’s cabinet members have been asked to agree to extend the PSPOs for three more year more years when they meet on November 17.

The orders, first introduced by the council in 2017, were originally designed to tackle street drinking, drug use and public urination.

A report to senior councillors said: “The types of the anti-social behaviour and locations that are now being reported have changed and now differ from the types of behaviour and locations originally targeted by the initial PSPO”.

Inspector Glen Costello, of Wakefield District East Neighbourhood Policing Team, described in a statement how criminal activity had “evolved” over the past nine years.

He said: “This clearly means the current PSPO, whilst it has served its purpose, is no-longer relevant and fails to meet the needs of the responsible authorities to address the concerns of the communities.”

Chief Inspector Emma Hooks, the officer responsible for partnerships and neighbourhoods, said: “The area suffers disproportionately from anti-social behaviour and is seen as a key location due to its transport links into the town.

“Begging, shoplifting and loitering at cash points is commonplace behaviour within the town, with numerous offenders committing crime to fund drug and alcohol dependencies.

“In the last 12 months, the town has experienced an increase in the number of e-bikes and scooter use in manners causing annoyance and distress to other town users.

“The addition of this prohibition and restriction will be welcomed as a necessary measure to safeguard the wider community and visitors to the town.”

If councillors approve the proposals, the new orders would replace existing ones which expire later this month

It would allow police and council officers to continue to issue fixed penalty notices of up to £100 and seek fines of up to £1,000 for anyone convicted of an offence.

The scheme also includes extending the PSCO area for Castleford to include Castleford Retail Park, on Albion Street.

The council said residents, businesses and visitors to both towns who took part in a public consultations were “strongly in favour” of the new measures.

Rebecca Webster, the council’s cabinet member for safer, stronger communities, said: “Extending these legal orders will help us protect our communities.

“They will strengthen our ability to deter and tackle anti-social behaviour. and help ensure our towns are safe, welcoming places for residents, workers, businesses and visitors.

“We’ll also continue working closely with our partners to deal with the causes of these issues.”