Community · Devizes
Devizes council to vote on new anti-social behaviour crackdown
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Local authorities are set to debate a new multi-agency strategy to combat anti-social behaviour in Devizes, including plans for enhanced CCTV surveillance at Hillworth Park.
Devizes Town Council is set to vote on a series of measures aimed at tackling persistent anti-social behaviour across the town centre and local parks. Councillors are expected to formalise a new multi-agency approach during a meeting scheduled for this week, following reports of street drinking, public urination and damage to the town's historic fountain.
The move comes after Wiltshire Police signalled that current measures, including the existing Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), have been insufficient in deterring persistent offenders. Inspector Andy Lemon recently noted that while the PSPO remains in place, it lacks the necessary enforcement strength to effectively curb the behaviour that has been described by local officials as disgraceful.
To strengthen the response, authorities are proposing the creation of a Local Community Safety Partnership, which would serve as a formal forum for police, the town council and Wiltshire Council's public protection team to coordinate their efforts. This would be supplemented by a dedicated Safer Streets sub-committee, tasked with identifying and responding to local anti-social behaviour hotspots.
CCTV expansion at Hillworth Park
In addition to the new partnership forums, the council is considering a significant investment in security at Hillworth Park. The park has become a focus for local concerns, with residents reporting ongoing damage to fencing and infrastructure.
Councillors will be recommended to approve a budget allocation of £15,000 to expand the park's CCTV network, funded by receipts from the Community Infrastructure Levy. While officials have acknowledged that surveillance alone is not a complete solution to the town's anti-social behaviour issues, they maintain it is a necessary component of a wider strategy to protect public facilities and improve community safety.
If the recommendations are approved, the council will authorise officers to proceed with gathering formal quotations for the works. The town council is also expected to appoint four representatives to lead the town's engagement with the new safety partnerships during their meeting on 2 December.
Source: Wiltshire Times — Crime · View original