Chippenham Faces Tipping Point Due to Street Drinking Concerns

Wiltshire Council wants your input. They are thinking about a new order for Chippenham, covering the town center and John Coles Park. Police asked them to consider this change.

People reported issues like street drinking, antisocial behavior, drug use, and public indecency. This order aims to address these problems.

The new order could ban street drinking, enabling officers to disperse groups for 48 hours. This gives them more power to act fast, and breaking the order could mean a £100 fine. Chippenham Town Council agrees a PSPO is needed to prevent things from worsening. They don’t think the problems are too bad right now.

One council member calls it an “extra tool.” Another says it aids rehabilitation efforts and helps people struggling with alcohol issues. It also reduces public distress.

Most responses support the proposed plans, but the council wants to hear from more people. They especially need feedback from affected parties to help safeguard everyone. They believe a PSPO will reassure people and reduce antisocial actions in town.

You can share your thoughts on Wiltshire’s website. Hard copies are available by email if needed. The consultation ends on March 2, so give them your opinion. Your feedback matters for the final decision.