Anti-social behaviour plan consultation set to end

People in Wolverhampton have been reminded the deadline is looming to share their views on plans to curb anti-social behaviour at a retail park in the city.

A public space protection order (PSPO) covering Bentley Bridge Leisure Park has been proposed by City of Wolverhampton Council.

The move would give police powers to ask groups of three or more people to leave the area if there is reason to believe they are causing a nuisance, and to remove face coverings if they have no reasonable grounds to wear them.

The public consultation will close on Thursday evening.

The council has said the PSPO would not affect groups of shoppers or those who gather to visit the retail and leisure park.

The local authority also stressed it would also not discriminate against those people legitimately wearing a face covering, for example for medical reasons or religious purposes.

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, said: "Bentley Bridge is an incredibly popular retail and leisure venue and we want to ensure it remains a welcoming and safe place for everyone to visit.

"We've seen the impact that the city centre PSPO has had, and we want to hear what residents, businesses and visitors to Bentley Bridge think of these proposals – so please have your say by Thursday's deadline."

If approved, the order will be introduced in due course and will cover the whole of the Bentley Bridge retail and leisure park.

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