Bicester town centre is set to become safer and more pleasant for residents and visitors after Conservative-controlled Cherwell District Council voted to adopt a public spaces protection order (PSPO) in several town centre locations.
PSPOs are designed to ensure public spaces can be enjoyed free from anti-social behaviour by giving the police and community wardens greater power to tackle anti-social behaviour, street drinking and begging.
Failure to comply with a PSPO enables authorised enforcement officers to issue fixed penalty notices. Restricted activities include loitering linked to antisocial behaviour, begging and nuisance street drinking. Signs will be located in the designated area which covers Pioneer Square, Sheep Street, Garth Park and other town centre locations to signify a PSPO in is operation.
Over 90% of Bicester residents were in favour of the PSPO.
Bicester Conservatives said: “We know that reducing anti-social behaviour is a top priority for residents. We cannot continue to let the behaviour of a minority damage the experience of Bicester town centre for the rest. Residents were overwhelming in favour of a PSPO. We have listened and acted.
We will continue to use any powers available to the Council, and work with Thames Valley Police, to ensure our town centre, and the whole of Bicester, is a safe and pleasant place for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.”
