Concerns about begging and antisocial behaviour in Yeovil town centre have intensified after two public space protection orders (PSPOs) expired. Residents and businesses have reported noticing more incidents since the orders lapsed, while Somerset Council says it does not currently have enough reports to justify applying for new ones.
The issue was raised by Conservative councillor Tom Power at a public meeting on 5 August. He said some constituents felt Yeovil town centre had become “less welcoming” when shopping, warning that this could deter visitors and contribute to shoplifting.
The council has confirmed that both Yeovil orders have now lapsed. The situation will remain under review, with council representatives stressing that reports from residents, visitors and businesses are important in helping determine whether further action is needed.
What the Yeovil PSPOs covered
Yeovil had been covered by two PSPOs since October 2019. The measures were introduced by the former South Somerset District Council and applied in designated town-centre areas.
One order prohibited people from approaching others to request money or goods. The other prohibited the consumption or possession of intoxicating liquor when requested by an authorised officer. Breaching either order could result in a £100 penalty.
The orders were extended in October 2022 and transferred to Somerset Council when the new unitary authority took over in April 2023. They covered public drinking and persistent begging, giving police and local authorities powers to intervene in specified circumstances.
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 requested that the orders be renewed.
She said the council had not received enough reports to support applying for new PSPOs in Yeovil town centre at present. However, the council continues to monitor the issue and says public reporting will help it and the police assess what action may be necessary.
The reported lapse of the Yeovil begging and street-drinking orders is separate from Somerset Council’s work to reinstate dog-fouling PSPOs across the county. That separate work is expected to proceed in the autumn.
How to report concerns
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 also 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 address persistent antisocial behaviour. He said people using Yeovil town centre should feel safe and welcome while the situation continues to be monitored.