INCREASING anti-social behaviour could mean a public space protection order (PSPO) is put in place in Earlswood Lakes.
Over the last five years, Stratford District Council (SDC) and Warwickshire Police have received an increasing number of reports concerning nitrous oxide (laughing gas) use, car cruising, groups causing intimation, harassment, alarm, and anti-social behaviour (ASB) caused by alcohol consumption.
Stratford District Council now requires approval for a PSPO – which aims to protect the public from behaviour that is having, or is likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life – to be granted.
The order would allow police more power to tackle the behaviours, meaning those in breach of the order could be issued with a fine of up to £100.
Responses to the consultation showed incidents including alcohol use, and abuse towards youths and young adults, were seen daily by some residents, while nitrus oxide use was even more frequent.
Warwickshire Police also had 50 accounts of anti-social behaviour and mass gatherings taking place on the beach area of the lakes and the causeway – particularly during lockdown.
Groups of up to 50 people were reported behaving anti-socially, playing loud music, getting drunk and partying.
Ward councillor Tony Dixon said: “Earlswood, particularly the area around The Lakes, has been cause for concern for many years with ASB issues. This became very prominent during the covid-19 lockdowns and the provision of a PSPO was identified as an essential tool to enable the police to take action to reduce the incidence of ASB.
“The community is supportive of this initiative and I too fully support the creation of a PSPO.”
SDC communities spokesman Coun Chris Kettle added the PSPO would hopefully restore calm to the area and enable residents the lakes without risk or fear of anti-social behaviour.
SDC is set to consider the matter further on Wednesday March 3.
