00:00Plans to introduce a public space protection order in Wolverhampton could change where is allowed across the city centre.
00:08The council says the aim is to respond to anti-social behaviour, which residents and traders say is making the
00:16area unwelcoming.
00:17Under the proposal, street drinking, aggressive begging, loitering, public urination and defecation, drug possession and drug use would be banned.
00:28The draft order also targets dangerous riding, cycling or illegal use of e-bikes and scooters, loudspeakers and blocked doorways
00:38or fire exits.
00:39The area covered could include the Ring Road, Railway Station, Molyneux, Shops, St John's Retail Park, the YMCA site in
00:48Cleveland Street and Sainsbury's in Ragland Street.
00:52If approved, the order would run for three years and give police enforcement powers.
00:57The council says businesses and residents have repeatedly raised concerns about people injecting drugs, street drinking and behaviour they describe
01:06as intimidating.
01:08Its report says incidents in the centre rose by over 10% year on year, while nuisance reports increased.
01:16Supporters argue the order could make the area safer and easier to manage.
01:21But any decision rests with the council's cabinet and they'll consider the proposal on the 22nd of April.
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