Concerns about begging, street drinking and antisocial behaviour in Yeovil town centre have grown since two public space protection orders expired, with residents and businesses saying the area feels less welcoming. Somerset Council has confirmed the orders have not been renewed and is asking people to report incidents while it considers what action may be appropriate.
The concerns were raised at a Somerset Council executive committee meeting on 5 August by Councillor Tom Power, who represents Wincanton and Bruton. He said feedback from constituents, business owners and residents suggested the atmosphere in Yeovil town centre had declined since the orders lapsed.
Yeovil is a key shopping and services destination for people travelling from Wincanton, Bruton and surrounding villages. Councillor Power said some visitors were increasingly reporting that Yeovil felt “less welcoming” when they came into the town.
What the expired Yeovil PSPOs covered
The two public space protection orders were introduced by South Somerset District Council in October 2019. They gave police and local authorities additional powers to intervene in specified circumstances, including public drinking, begging and related antisocial behaviour.
One order covered approaching people to beg in parts of Clarence Street, High Street and Middle Street. The other dealt with public alcohol consumption and associated antisocial conduct. Its coverage was expanded in October 2021, stretching from Yeovil Hospital to Brunswick Street and from the A30 Queensway to Wyndham Hill.
People who breached the orders could previously receive a £100 penalty. Both orders were extended in October 2022 and transferred to Somerset Council when the new unitary authority was formed in April 2023. They have since expired.
Why the orders were not renewed
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, Somerset Council’s portfolio holder for communities, environment and climate change, confirmed that the Yeovil PSPOs had not been renewed. She also said Avon and Somerset Police had not asked for them to be reinstated.
The council says it will keep the situation under review. It is asking people to report begging, street drinking, antisocial behaviour and other incidents so authorities can build a clearer picture of the scale and nature of the problems and assess what response may be needed.
Somerset Council is separately planning to reinstate dog-fouling PSPOs across Somerset. Those proposals are expected to proceed in the autumn after consultation with local councils, but they are not connected to the expired Yeovil orders.
How to report concerns in Yeovil
Residents can report begging or street drinking to Avon and Somerset Police by calling 101 or using the force’s website. Antisocial behaviour can also be reported through Somerset Council’s dedicated online reporting platform.
At the committee meeting, Councillor Power said enforcement powers alone would not resolve every issue. However, he argued that councils and police needed effective tools to tackle persistent antisocial behaviour and stressed the importance of protecting Yeovil’s reputation as a place to shop, work and socialise.