More powers to fine people for spitting, dropping litter or cycling on the pavement in Spalding town centre could soon be in place.
The move was discussed as part of a proposal to replace and extend existing powers to deal with anti-social street drinking.
South Holland’s cabinet agreed on Tuesday to replace the current Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) with a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) – which gives council officers as well as police the power to issue fixed penalty notices for certain behaviours banned in a specific area.
Gary Porter, council leader, said: “Let’s give them all the powers we physically can to deal with people who have no regard for the community they live in.”
In a response to the proposal, Ch Supt Shaun West, of Lincolnshire Police, said: “It is evidenced that the existing DPPO has had a significant amount of success in Spalding and alcohol related anti-social behaviour has declined considerably.
“There still remains a perception of street drinking within the town that appears at odds with reality.”
However, Ch Supt West said he would support the introduction of a PSPO, though council officers would need to help enforce it.
The report suggested extending the area to cover “the wider riverbank.” Councillors also agreed to push forward with proposals to extend the PSPO area and behaviours covered to include spitting, cycling on the pavement, dropping litter, substance abuse and urinating in the street.
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