More powers in force to improve Doncaster city centre

Earlier this year, residents and businesses were consulted and gave their views on the PSPO, which has been in place since 2017. In total, 2,396 individuals and 58 businesses responded about the proposed order which tackles a range of behaviours.

Seventy one percent of respondents strongly agreed that the existing PSPO should be extended, with the following list of behaviours prohibited in the city centre:

• Begging
• Loitering
• No return within 24 hours if asked to leave
• Drinking alcohol in public areas
• Taking drugs or other banned substances
• Urination and defecation in public
• Tampering with parking equipment

The PSPO will provide additional powers to authorities to deal with anti-social behaviour but is also part of a comprehensive host of activities to support people with complex needs, including preventing and tackling homelessness, rough sleeping and begging, drug and alcohol misuse, mental ill-health, criminal offending and anti-social behaviour.

Agencies on board include South Yorkshire Police, teams across the council, St Leger Homes, drug and alcohol and mental health services and other partners.

Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, said: “We want Doncaster city centre to be a safe and pleasant place to live, work and visit and these powers will help us to make sure it remains that way.

“I’d particularly like to thank people who gave their views on the PSPO. Your feedback is invaluable in helping how we shape our approach to reducing anti-social behaviour and supporting those in need – together we can collectively make the city centre experience better for everyone. We have a wonderful city with a unique offer and we continue to invest in and regenerate the area to attract more visitors. I would encourage anyone who hasn’t been for a while to pay us a visit!”

Doncaster District Commander and Chief Superintendent Ian Proffitt, from South Yorkshire Police, said: “We welcome the additional powers the PSPO brings in helping us to deal with individuals who are behaving anti-socially and causing distress to others. Part of this also involves us working closely with the council and other agencies to refer those who need extra support to get the help they need.

“We have listened to you and recognised your concerns around crime and antisocial behaviour, and we now have a new cohort of officers based in Doncaster city centre to patrol the streets and keep the area a place for everyone to enjoy.”

For more information and to view the Public Space Protection Order in full, visit www.doncaster.gov.uk/PSPO