Swindon Police obtained a dispersal order for the town centre following an increase in antisocial behaviour.
The order, granted under Section 34 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, relates to an area roughly bounded by Regent Street, Corporation Street and Manchester Road.
Reports of antisocial behaviour have mainly centred around the Fleming Way and bus boulevard and relate to groups congregating, consuming alcohol and drugs and putting members of the public in fear of their safety.
The dispersal order grants officers the power to disperse and exclude people from an area for up to 48 hours. Failure to comply may result in arrest and conviction.
The dispersal zone includes the area of Fleming Way and immediate vicinity of the bus station.
Sgt Ed Rogers said: “The authorisation of this dispersal order was granted following an earlier incident on Friday afternoon where officers from Central South Neighbourhoods Policing Team enforced the existing Town Centre Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).
"Amongst other things the PSPO prohibits the consumption of alcohol in open spaces, and can incur a £100 fine.
"A woman in her 40s was arrested and charged with a S5 Public Order Offence and Failure to Comply With a Requirement to Cease Drinking Alcohol/Surrender Container under Section 63(6) of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. She will appear in court in September.
“Swindon Neighbourhood Policing Teams will not tolerate the behaviour of those few, who seek to prevent the vast majority of our community from peacefully enjoying the use of our public spaces and amenities.
"We will continue to exercise our powers to make Swindon a safer place for all, through pursuit of, and robust action against, our most prolific offenders.”
Further information on the PSPO can be found at: Public spaces protection orders (PSPO) | Swindon Borough Council
People can report anti-social behaviour via 101 or our website www.wiltshire.police.uk
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