Residents asked for views on powers to tackle anti-social behaviour

May 17, 2021

Residents are being asked if powers should be introduced to tackle anti-social behaviours in Chalkwell and Leigh-on-Sea. 

The proposal of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is being put to residents and local businesses to gain their views on whether people breaking rules should be fined up to £100. Failure to pay the penalty within 14 days, could lead to prosecution.

A public consultation was developed following on from a series of incidents in Old Leigh, leading to Essex Police introducing a number of dispersal orders in the area, including over the recent May bank holiday weekend.

Cllr Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety and customer contact, said: “A PSPO has been in place in the town centre and seafront since 2019 and we use it as a last resort, to tackle the most persistent of offenders. Now following on from concerns raised by residents in Chalkwell and Leigh, we are asking whether a PSPO should be introduced there and what anti-social behaviours they think it should include.

“The PSPO is not going to solve all of the challenges we face and we don’t want to deter people from visiting, especially after this past year. But it might encourage a small minority of people who seem to want to cause trouble, to have a more respect for our town and its residents.

“The PSPO is an additional set of powers Essex Police and the community safety unit can use as an additional deterrent, when other offers of assistance and advice have been exhausted. It is important our residents and local businesses tell us what they want and need from the PSPO via this consultation, and we look forward to hearing your views.”

The consultation launched on Friday 7 May and runs for four weeks. You can give your feedback here: https://yoursay.southend.gov.uk/pspo-old-leigh-chalkwell