No fixed penalty notices issued in first month of order to stop anti-social drinking in Corby

Following numerous complaints regarding alcohol-related disorder and nuisance, Corby Council carried out a public consultation before introducing the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in accordance with section 59 of the Anti-social Behaviour Crime & Policing Act 2014.

Protected areas include the town centre, the Boating Lake and Coronation Park.

The PSPO is intended to deal with issues such as anti-social drinking in particular areas so that residents can use and enjoy public spaces, safe from anti-social behaviour.

But since the PSPO came into effect four weeks ago, the council has reported that no fixed penalty notices have been issued.

The PSPO prohibits:

- Persons to be in possession of open containers with alcohol in, within the area covered by the PSPO

- Persons not to drink, consume or take intoxicating substances within the area covered by the PSPO

- Persons not to act in a manner that causes alarm, harassment or distress as a result of consuming alcohol or taking intoxicating substances

- Persons not to beg within the area covered by the PSPO

These restrictions can be enforced by a police officer, PCSO and council officers.

Leader of Corby Council, Cllr Tom Beattie, said: “We are aware of several complaints in regards to anti-social behaviour from people that have been drinking, especially in places such as Coronation Park.

“These are public open spaces that should be able to be enjoyed by all residents and hopefully now with these actions in place our public open spaces can be more enjoyable and appealing to residents.”

Full details and a map of protected areas are available to view on the council’s website at http://www.corby.gov.uk/home/housing-and-neighbourhood-services/community-safety/public-spaces-protection-order.

For further information about the PSPO call 01536 464647.