Two new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) proposed by Dudley Council could come into force in parts of the borough later this month to tackle issues of anti-social behaviour.
The orders are proposed for Dudley town centre and Lye High Street following consultations held last year, where there was overwhelming support in favour of the PSPOs.
The PSPOs are going through the decision process at the council and if approved will be in place for three years from Monday 29 July and subject to an annual review.
They would give Dudley Council and West Midlands Police enhanced powers to restrict unreasonable and disruptive behaviour.
Anyone found to be in breach of the order would face a fixed penalty notice of £100 or a maximum fine of £1,000.
In Lye, the PSPO would prohibit the consumption of alcohol and intoxicating substances.
It also bans groups and individuals from causing nuisance, alarm, harassment or distress to others in the town and surrounding area, as well as urinating or defecating in a public space.
The same restrictions would apply in Dudley town centre, but with additional powers to fine anyone found to discard a knife in a public place or drop litter.
Commenting, Dudley Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Services, Councillor Laura Taylor said:
“We had an overwhelmingly positive response in favour of the PSPOs following our consultation in Lye and Dudley town centre last year.
“It shows that most people really care about where they live and there’s just a few who try and spoil it for the many. But not anymore.
“We have worked alongside our colleagues in the police to get to this point.
“We see this as a warning to those out there who are irresponsible and we can assure residents that action will be taken against those who fail to acknowledge the orders.”
In response to the consultation, 98% of people in Lye who responded were in favour of the PSPO and in Dudley it was 93%.
