Making Great Yarmouth Safer: A Stronger Approach to Anti-Social Behaviour
As a Councillor, I am fully committed to making our town a safer and more welcoming place for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. I understand that anti-social behaviour (ASB) continues to be a key concern for our community, and the council is taking decisive action to address it through the introduction of a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). This initiative reflects my commitment and support to tackling the issues that matter most to residents and ensures that Great Yarmouth remains a vibrant and secure place to live, work, and visit.
Strengthening Our Approach to Anti-Social Behaviour
The existing PSPO, which primarily focused on alcohol-related ASB, is set to be replaced with a more comprehensive order from April 1, 2025. This new PSPO will provide a robust framework to address a wider range of anti-social behaviours, including:
- Have in their possession any open container of alcohol, except in a place referred to in section 62 of the Act
- Consume alcohol, except in a place referred to in section 62 of the Act.
- Make any request for money or property from any other person, whether verbally or in writing.
- Urinate or defecate in any place, save for within a public convenience.
- Abandon anything within their possession, save for by way of leaving items of waste within waste bins provided for that purpose.
- Spit upon the floor or any other property, or upon any footway or verge.
- Cycle or use any other conveyance (e.g. E Scooters) on any footway or in any other area where vehicular access is lawfully prohibited (whether by way of signage, operation of law, or otherwise). This prohibition shall not apply to any wheelchair, mobility scooter or invalid carriage.
- The power to exclude individuals from a defined location within the area of the order.
These measures will empower both council officers and the police to intervene effectively, ensuring that ASB is dealt with swiftly and proportionately.
Listening to the Community
Public engagement has been central to the development of this new PSPO. A borough-wide consultation was held between November and December 2024, with over 100 residents, businesses, and stakeholders participating. The overwhelming support for stronger measures against ASB confirms that our community wants action.
- 90% supported stronger rules against street drinking.
- 94% backed a crackdown on verbal abuse and threatening behaviour.
- 89% agreed that restrictions on loitering and begging were necessary.
- 97% supported banning public urination and defecation.
Consultations also took place with Norfolk Police, the Great Yarmouth Town Centre Partnership, and outreach teams working with vulnerable individuals. Their input has been invaluable in shaping a balanced approach—one that combines enforcement with support services to help those struggling with substance abuse or homelessness.
A Fair and Proportionate Response
While enforcement is necessary to deter anti-social behaviour, we are equally committed to supporting those in need. The PSPO is designed to ensure fairness and proportionality. For example:
- Outreach teams will continue working with vulnerable individuals to offer support and guidance.
- The council will invest in additional public toilet facilities to prevent issues related to public urination.
- Designated areas for street artists will be considered to differentiate between graffiti and legitimate artistic expression.
What’s Next?
The new PSPO will be implemented borough-wide from April 1, 2025. Signage will be placed throughout Great Yarmouth to ensure that everyone is aware of the new regulations. A dedicated enforcement team will work alongside Norfolk Police to ensure compliance, and regular reviews will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the order.
Working Together for a Safer Great Yarmouth
Tackling anti-social behaviour requires a collective effort. As a councillor, I am working tirelessly to make Great Yarmouth a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable place for all. This PSPO is just one of the many steps the council are taking to ensure that our town remains a fantastic place to live and visit.
