LAWS aimed at tackling anti-social street drinking in Midsomer Norton have been extended for another three years, Bath and North East Somerset Council has confirmed.

Police will have the power to issue fines of up to £1,000 if orders are breached in a number of designated areas.

The public space protection order (PSPO) will be in place until September, 2007, due to a high level of support from members of the the public and local councillors.

The orders have to be consulted on every three years, with the previous consultation having been held in 2021.

Designated areas covered by the order include much of the town centre, including the areas surrounding High Street. It reaches out to Paulton Road, Redfield Road and Steam Mills. It also encapsulates the playing fields near North Road and the cricket ground near Withes Road.

Evidence from the consultation showed that anti-social behaviour had a negative impact on people’s quality of life within Midsomer Norton and Bath. There were reports of residents avoiding the city centre due to having a fear for their safety or feeling intimidated due to anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services at Bath and North East Somerset Council, said: “The renewal of the PSPOs reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for everyone in our city and town centres.

“Street drinking that leads to anti-social behaviour poses a risk to public safety and residents’ quality of life. The PSPOs will enable us and the police to continue to take action against those whose behaviour threatens the peace and security of our neighbourhoods.

“Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and concerns in our consultation and helped us continue to ensure that the needs of the community are at the forefront of our decisions.”

Reports also demonstrated that antisocial behaviour incited intimidation for residents, and that it also caused littering, frequent noise and damage to property.

PSPOs allow the council and police to address alcohol-related anti-social behaviour to ensure public safety. They give police officers the ability to request individuals to stop drinking in a public place or to surrender their alcohol to them completely, if their behaviour is likely to be the cause of, or is suspect of leading to, harassment, alarm, distress or disorder.

With regards to this order, which has also been renewed in Bath, the definition of public place includes “any place to which the public or any section of the public has access, on payment or otherwise, as of right or by virtue of express or implied permission.”

Any individual who fails to comply with giving up their alcohol without good reason will be subject to a fine of up to £1,000.

Furthermore, an authorised officer may issue a fixed penalty notice of £100 to anyone they have reason to believe has committed an offence in relation to this order.

Consuming alcohol within designated areas is not a crime, as an offence only takes place once an individual fails to comply with police.