West Berkshire Council calls for public views on Public Protection Order for Thatcham following antisocial behaviour

West Berkshire Council has launched a public survey to collate opinions on the amount of antisocial behaviour in Thatcham town centre.

The district authority says it has been asked to consider a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for the town centre to reduce cases of antisocial behaviour.

The order was introduced in October 2014 as a part of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and allows councils to place restrictions and requirements on certain behaviours in an area in a bid to keep it safe.

They can be used to protect the public from behaviour that is having, or is likely to have, a "detrimental effect" on the quality of life of those in the area.

The council website states that failing to comply with a PSPO is a criminal offence and could result in a fixed penalty notice of up to £100, or a fine of up to £1,000 if prosecuted.

Working together with Thatcham Town Council and Thames Valley Police, it has released posters and social media posts encouraging residents to take part and have their say.

Over the past months, antisocial behaviour, particularly in the Broadway has been reported to the police and town council, with measures being increased to deter crime.

To properly consider the proposal the council says that the views of the public are needed.

The consultation began on February 21 and is due to run till April 3.

The online survey can be found at at https://info.westberks.gov.uk/pspothatcham

Hard copies of the survey are also available at the Thatcham Town Council offices, Brownsfield Road, Thatcham.