THERE’S less than a week left for people to have their say on plans to tackle anti-social behaviour in Weymouth.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council is considering introducing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in specific areas of the borough.

The order would tackle alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, begging and the feeding of gulls.

But the council wants to hear your views. The consultation also includes questions on people’s opinions on cycling restrictions.

Designated Public Place Orders (DPPOs) already exist in parts of Weymouth. These make it an offence to disobey the request of a police officer to stop drinking or hand over their alcohol in a designated area.

The new proposals are for these to be converted into PSPOs which, unlike DPPOs, are enforceable with a fixed penalty notice of £100.

The council has emphasised that a PSPO is not a blanket alcohol ban, but it will give authorities more power to control alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

As reported by the Dorset Echo, certain areas of the borough have suffered repeated alcohol-related disturbance from yobs in recent months and years, including the seafront and railway station.

Borough council community safety spokesman Cllr Francis Drake said: “We want to hear the views of residents, business owners and visitors alike. Please make sure you take this opportunity to have your say. It only takes five minutes and can be easily done online at www.dorsetforyou.com/weymouth-PSPO or fill out a paper version, which are available from the borough council offices and at Weymouth Library. 

“This consultation builds on a huge amount of work which is already being done to tackle anti-social behaviour in Weymouth and Portland.

The borough council’s Community Safety team work very closely with Dorset Police, British Transport Police and a wide range of partner agencies to tackle anti-social behaviour. We would encourage people to report all incidents of anti-social behaviour to Dorset Police, so that appropriate action can be taken. We are keen to send out a clear message that unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated in the borough and welcome the community’s support and help to do this.”

The consultation ends on Wednesday, November 8.

For more information about community safety and what the borough council is doing to make Weymouth and Portland safer, visit dorsetforyou.gov.uk/community-safety