A CRACKDOWN on anti-social behaviour in Braintree town centre will see tighter controls on street drinking and rough sleepers.
The move follows a public consultation held in November last year, during which residents voiced concerns about ongoing issues in the town.
Under new get-tough rules, authorised officers now have greater powers to prevent street drinking and make people hand over containers suspected of containing alcohol.
In the past, enforcement action could only be taken where drinking was directly linked to anti-social behaviour.
The new rules also target rough sleepers.
It prevents people from sleeping in public places in the town centre where it has a "detrimental impact on the quality of life of others".
The restricted zone includes the town centre and Weavers Park, where new signs have already been put up about the changes.
A Braintree Council spokesperson said the changes were designed to provide clearer enforcement guidelines and respond directly to community concerns.
They said: “The amended Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) provides clearer guidelines for us to address alcohol consumption in the town, which we know is a concern for our residents.
"Previously, we could only seize alcohol or issue tickets when it was directly linked to anti-social behaviour.
"Following a full public consultation where members of the public raised concerns, we have also responded to an increase in anti-social behaviour linked to tent encampments by including provisions relating to unauthorised encampments.
"It is important to be clear that rough sleeping itself is not a breach of the PSPO.
"The council’s Housing Options team, alongside Churches Homeless Emergency Support Scheme (Chess) are actively working with individuals, making referrals to appropriate support services and helping them secure suitable accommodation.
"We held the consultation in November last year to gather feedback about the previous PSPO, and these amendments reflect the concerns and views shared by our community.”
The authority spokesperson added: “These amendments reflect the concerns and views shared by our community.”
The updated PSPO is now in effect.
