Antisocial crackdown bid ‘at risk of being toothless’

EFFORTS to crack down on antisocial behaviour in Glastonbury may prove ineffective - because those responsible often cannot afford to pay fines.

- DANIEL MUMBY Local democracy journalist

Avon and Somerset Constabulary has been working with Somerset Council and others within the Safer Somerset Partnership to implement a new public space protection order (PSPO), allowing officers to fine individuals for antisocial behaviour, street drinking and other unwanted activities.

Councillor Ewan Cameron - one of two Glastonbury division members - called on the partnership to implement the PSPO before May 1 in a bid to protect local businesses heading into the main tourist season.

Officers responded that the PSPO would prove ineffective if used as a “blunt instrument’, stating there was no point issuing fines which could not be properly enforced or collected.

Mr Cameron discussed the issues at a workshop in Glastonbury on November 7 with local MP Sarah Dyke, attended by fellow councillor Federica Smith-Roberts and police inspector Rachel Clark.

He subsequently raised this during a meeting of the council's adults and health scrutiny committee in Bridgwater on November 20 - one of his first public contributions since winning his seat in a by-election in late-October.

He said: “It's recognised by the residents of Glastonbury that additional resources have been allocated.