Concerns about begging and antisocial behaviour in Yeovil town centre have intensified after two public space protection orders (PSPOs) expired, with a councillor warning that some residents and businesses feel the area has become less welcoming.
The concerns were raised by Conservative councillor Tom Power at a public meeting on 5 August. According to the report, residents and business owners had noticed a rise in incidents since the orders lapsed. Cllr Power said some of his constituents were finding Yeovil town centre “less welcoming” when shopping, and warned that this could deter visitors and contribute to shoplifting.
What the Yeovil PSPOs covered
Yeovil had been covered by two PSPOs since October 2019. Introduced by the former South Somerset District Council, the measures gave police and local authorities powers to intervene over public drinking and persistent begging in designated town-centre areas.
The begging order prohibited people from approaching others to request money or goods. The street-drinking order prohibited the consumption or possession of intoxicating liquor when requested by an authorised officer. Breaching either order could result in a £100 penalty.
The PSPOs were extended in October 2022 and carried over to Somerset Council when the new unitary authority took over in April 2023. Somerset Council has now confirmed that both Yeovil orders have lapsed.
Why the orders have not been renewed
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, Somerset Council’s portfolio holder for communities, environment and climate change, said Avon and Somerset Constabulary had not asked for the orders to be renewed.
She said the council had not received enough reports to justify applying for new PSPOs in Yeovil town centre at present. However, the issue will remain under review, and she stressed that reports from the public are important in helping the council and police decide what action may be needed.
The council is separately working to reinstate dog-fouling PSPOs across Somerset, with that work expected to proceed in the autumn. The reported lapse of the Yeovil begging and street-drinking orders is not presented as part of that separate process.
How to report incidents in Yeovil
Residents, visitors and businesses can report begging, street drinking or other non-urgent crime by calling 101 or using the Avon and Somerset Police website. Antisocial behaviour can be reported through Somerset Council’s antisocial-behaviour reporting page.
Cllr Power said enforcement powers alone would not resolve every issue, but argued that councils and police should have effective tools to deal with persistent antisocial behaviour. He said Yeovil residents and visitors should feel safe and welcome in the town centre, while council representatives continue to monitor the situation.