Wellington residents are being urged to voice their views on plans to ban drinking on the street in the town.
Taunton Deane Borough Council has set up a public consultation exercise regarding the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which would outlaw the use of intoxicating substances, including alcohol and psychoactive drugs, known as legal highs, in public anywhere in the town. Wellington Town Council has given the scheme its backing. The PSPO would replace the no drinking order already in place in some streets and cover the town centre. The restrictions on alcohol would not apply to pavement cafes or to licensed premises.
Anyone in breach of the order would be committing a criminal offence and could receive a Fixed Penalty Notice or face a court fine. Police and council enforcement officers would have the power to demand the surrender of the intoxicating substances.
Cllr Jane Warmington, the member for community leadership, said: “I welcome this opportunity to consult the public on what is right for Wellington. The town council and the police have given us a steer on what they feel is right for the community and now we are keen to hear from residents, businesses and visitors alike. These Orders play an important part in our combined efforts to keep Wellington a safe, vibrant and welcoming place.”
TDBC introduced a similar order covering Taunton town centre last year when consultations resulted in a large majority of people in favour of the initiative.
The consultations are open now and run until January 27. People can respond by emailing safeworking@tauntondeane.gov.uk or by post to: Scott Weetch, Taunton Deane Borough Council, The Deane House, Belvedere Road, Taunton TA1 1HE.
I will fully support this application. Maybe it should also apply to dog owners to keep dogs on leads throughout the town, so they can be identified and prosecuted for not picking up the dog mess!!.
.. and who is going to enforce this ban ?
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Jim