Councillors in Solihull have come together in a rare display of cross-party unity to consider the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at curbing anti-social behaviour in the town centre. The proposal emerged during the recent full council meeting after a motion put forward by the Conservative group requested an assessment into whether the statutory criteria for a PSPO are met in this area.
The council has prior experience with PSPOs, having implemented one last summer in Chelmsley Wood to address anti-social behaviour, and another earlier this year to combat illegal street racing near Birmingham Airport. Under these orders, a first breach results in a warning, with subsequent breaches incurring a £100 fixed penalty notice.
Councillor Heather Delaney introduced the motion by emphasising that Solihull remains one of the safest boroughs in the West Midlands, with crime rates significantly lower than neighbouring areas. She noted that while anti-social behaviour incidents involve a small number of individuals, they can have a disproportionately negative impact on residents’ sense of safety. “This motion is not about suggesting Solihull has a crime problem — it doesn’t,” she explained, “but we cannot ignore the concerns raised by residents and businesses.”
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Discussions during the meeting also led to the inclusion of amendments supported by the Green Party and Liberal Democrats, focusing on youth engagement initiatives to provide constructive opportunities for young people in the town centre. Councillor Max McLoughlin, Green Group leader, highlighted that many of the recent large gatherings stem from young people convening spontaneously via social media without planned activities or destinations. “That’s why the amendments on youth engagement matter,” he stated.
Liberal Democrat Councillor James Bradley welcomed the potential PSPO, emphasizing its role in protecting the town centre and ensuring it remains an inclusive space. He remarked that recent large gatherings, mainly involving young people during school holidays, are less about intent to cause trouble and more about a lack of social outlets.
The amended motion, combining measures to explore the PSPO alongside plans for youth engagement, was unanimously approved at the July 7 meeting held at the Civic Suite, demonstrating a unified local government response to addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes of anti-social behaviour in Solihull.