Street drinking order extended in Kidderminster Town Centre
News release issued:
More than 200 people had their say on the future of Kidderminster town centre’s Public Spaces Protection Order after an online survey was launched by Wyre Forest District Council in July.
Following overwhelming support, the order relating to street drinking in Kidderminster town centre will be extended for a further two years.
A majority of respondents said the order had a positive impact on people living (87%), working (89%), visiting (89%) and socialising (85%) in the town centre.
The order covers any public space within Kidderminster town centre, meaning it can be used to tackle drinking-related anti-social behaviour anywhere where problems are reported.
Officers can order people drinking in these areas to stop, hand over any alcohol or dispose of the alcohol, with people who fail to do so facing a spot fine of up to £100, or up to £1,000 if the case goes to court.
The order is not an outright ban on street drinking as consuming alcohol in a public place is not an offence unless drinkers fail to comply with an officer’s request.
Councillor Graham Ballinger, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Community Safety said: “I would like to thank everyone who completed our survey. The responses we received helped us make our decision to extend the order until Saturday 30 September 2023.
“By extending the order, our Civil Enforcement Officers and officers from West Mercia Police will still have powers to tackle anti-social drinking in Kidderminster town centre.”
For more information on Public Spaces Protection Orders in the district please visit – www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/pspo.