Concerns about begging and antisocial behaviour in Yeovil town centre have intensified since two public space protection orders (PSPOs) expired. Residents and businesses say they have noticed more incidents, while Somerset Council says there are currently not enough reports to justify applying for replacement orders.
The council says the position remains under review and is urging residents, visitors and businesses to report concerns. Reports will help Somerset Council and Avon and Somerset Police assess whether further action is needed in the town centre.
What happened to Yeovil’s PSPOs?
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. He also warned that this could deter visitors and contribute to shoplifting.
Somerset Council has confirmed that both Yeovil orders have now lapsed. Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, the authority’s portfolio holder for communities, environment and climate change, said Avon and Somerset Constabulary had not asked for the orders to be renewed.
The two PSPOs had been in place since October 2019. They were introduced by the former South Somerset District Council and applied to designated areas of Yeovil town centre. The measures were extended in October 2022 and transferred to Somerset Council when the unitary authority took over in April 2023.
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. The orders covered persistent begging and public drinking, and breaching either could result in a £100 penalty.
Why the orders have not been renewed
Somerset Council says it has not received enough reports to support an application for new PSPOs in Yeovil town centre at present. The authority continues to monitor the situation, but says public reporting is important in deciding whether further action is necessary.
The lapse of the Yeovil begging and street-drinking orders is separate from Somerset Council’s work to reinstate dog-fouling PSPOs across Somerset. 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.