Public urination reported among anti-social behaviour in Cambridgeshire city

The local council is looking into ways to crack down on anti-social behaviour after reports from locals

A council wants to crack down on anti-social behaviour after locals reported public intoxication and urination among other issues. Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) is looking to put in place a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) within the inner ring road of Huntingdon.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Behaviours that have been concerning people local to the area include public intoxication, urination/defecation and intimidating behaviour such as, abusive and upsetting language, verbal abuse to visitor, businesses and residents and acting in a manner that causes alarm and distress.”

PSPOs aim to stop individuals and groups from committing anti-social behaviour in public. A PSPO would allow Huntingdonshire District Council to put restrictions and requirements in place, and any breaches of these are a criminal offence. Offenders could face fixed penalty notices (currently set at £100), or prosecution in criminal court.

A spokesperson for HDC said: “This proposed PSPO has been designed as a partnership response to the anti-social behaviour which has had a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality. The effect or likely effect of this anti-social behaviour is, or is likely to be, persistent or continuing in nature, is or is likely to be, unreasonable and justifies the proposed restrictions and requirements being imposed as part of a PSPO.

“The proposed restrictions and requirements are proportionate and necessary to prevent the anti-social behaviour from continuing, occurring or recurring. If the consultation is successful, the PSPO will be jointly enforced by Huntingdonshire District Council and Cambridgeshire Constabulary (Police).”

It is proposed the PSPO would be in place for three years, with a review each year.