North Lincolnshire Council’s crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Scunthorpe town centre has intensified – with 1,000 fines issued in the past six months alone.
It comes after a hard-hitting Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) was introduced with the backing of residents to help rid the town of littering, street drinking, and other nuisance behaviours.
Last year the council increased fines to help stamp out such offences, with fixed penalties for graffiti and fly-posting more than tripling to £500 and littering increasing to £200.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Local taxpayers are fed up of footing the bill for the actions of this selfish minority. We won’t tolerate anti-social behaviour, and if it takes hitting culprits with fines that is what we will do.
“We’re investing millions of pounds to build a new future for Scunthorpe town centre, we’re opening Discover – a new attraction for families, we’re putting on free activities every week through the holidays. These are exciting times for the town.
“We will remain vigilant against the perpetrators of anti-social behaviour and come down hard on those that break the rules. There is no place for intimidation on our high street.”
Since the introduction of the PSPO more than 4,300 fixed penalties have been issued in the town.
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for community wellbeing (urban – Ashby, Bottesford and Scunthorpe), said:
“We want to ensure Scunthorpe town centre offers a welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy, from shoppers to workers and businesses.
“Our message is clear – residents shouldn’t have to suffer the scourge of anti-social behaviour. People told us they wanted tougher action on these offenses and that is exactly what we are doing. We won’t stop until it is eradicated.”
For more details go to the council’s PSPO page. Details of the fines are on the Fixed Penalty Notices page.
