As part of the partnership approach towards anti-social behaviour in Birmingham City Centre, it has been decided to apply for a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to provide the Police with additional powers across a defined geographical area to tackle a wide range of anti-social behaviours.
In The City Centre, this is being introduced to address anti-social street drinking, groups gathering, and related ASB. It will introduce prohibitions for groups of people congregating and causing ASB and people behaving antisocially when under the influence of alcohol & drugs.
The order also requires anyone wearing a suit, found to be in breach, to be referred to the Early Intervention Team at Free Radical, who will provide appropriate diversionary measures.
This order has been informed by evidence from residents, businesses and young people, which demonstrates the scale of the issue for the local community.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss further. We look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Free Radical Team
Imagine!
But in all seriousness, this is extremely worrying. Authorities lauding #BrumYouthTrends one minute for hearing what young people need from its city and slipping through a consultation which would disproportionately affect young people’s and the homeless’ right to access public space in the city centre is something we cannot let slide.
We don’t want to live and work in a city which pretends it’s for young people whilst it pushes them out of civic space under the guise of preventing Anti Social Behaviour. Many young people see businessmen in suits as a threat – they certainly don’t avoid drink and other substances, either – but they are not singled out here.
So, fill in a response! Stop the cleansing of our city centre and have your say today in the Birmingham City Centre PSPO consultation.
https://www.birminghambeheard.org.uk/place/citycentrepspo/
Written by Bohdan Piasecki, a part of Free Radical