List of activities which could land you a £100 fine in Walsall town centre

Refreshed powers to tackle anti-social behaviour in Walsall town centre have been approved.

The new order, in place until October 2029, means that anyone caught consuming alcohol, using intoxicating substances, begging persistently or urinating or defecating in public, will be issued a £100 fine.

It also covers the disposal of needles and associated paraphernalia, and requires dog owners to keep pets on a lead or otherwise under physical control.

If a case goes to court and results in conviction, anyone in breach of the new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) can be fined up to £1,000.

Officers at Walsall Council as well as the police will be able to issue fines under the PSPO, 24 hours a day, within the designated area.

The boundary in which the PSPO covers has also been extended with the refreshed powers.

It now includes additional hotspots such as the junction next to Walsall Arboretum due to complaints about persistent begging at the traffic lights.

Councillor Ian Benton, portfolio holder for street scene and enforcement at Walsall Council, said: “Through the powers the PSPO grants, we will take action against behaviour that intimidates, harasses or disrupts others and affects people’s ability to use public spaces safely.”

Sergeant Alex Backrath, neighbour policing supervisor at Walsall Police, said: “We want people to visit Walsall and enjoy all it has to offer without the fear of anti-social behaviour and we will continue to work together to ensure people enjoy public spaces in the town.”

By Rachel Alexander | Local Democracy Reporting Service