Barnstaple is tackling rising anti-social behavior with new measures in the market area, aiming to keep the town safe and welcoming for everyone.
To tackle this, the council has updated a public space protection order. This order aims to curb issues like drinking and other unruly behavior. They’re keeping barriers closed longer to help with this.
The order has been around since 2018, banning things like littering and skateboarding in the market. It also restricts access to a public right of way overnight.
Since the market reopened in August 2023, there have been several incidents early in the morning. Police were called to a couple of them, which is concerning.
Town centre manager Hannah Harrington shared that most locals want the barriers closed until 7:30 AM. However, some folks are worried about toilet access and believe crime should be handled by the police, not the council.
Breaking this order can lead to criminal charges, and both police and council officers can enforce it. Harrington noted that public disorder and street drinking are on the rise. If they don’t renew the order, these issues could spill over into the market.
Recent data shows the pannier market is a hotspot for anti-social behavior, ranking third in the town. Before the barriers, the market was open all night, leading to a history of problems, especially in winter.
Councillors are backing the renewal of the order for three more years, with barriers closing from 6 PM to 7:30 AM. It’s a step towards making Barnstaple a safer place for everyone.
