Why we're worried vulnerable women might be affected by crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Leicester city centre

Signs explaining the terms of the order are appearing (Picture: Leicester City Council)

New powers to tackle common forms of anti-social behaviour came into force in Leicester city centre at the beginning of the month.

We are worried that some of the more vulnerable women who come to us for support may fall foul of the public spaces protection order, (PSPO), specifically because of the measures it contains to deter begging and street-drinking.

The PSPO allows police officers and 'authorised council' officials to issue £100 on-the-spot fines to those found carrying out any of six activities outlawed under the order. This could rise to £1,000 if prosecution leads to a conviction.

We are talking to women who come to see us at the New Futures Project office in London Road - which falls within the PSPO zone - about the new restrictions and the consequences of breaching them.

We are worried those who end up being fined will get into further trouble, potentially with the courts, by failing to pay.

Our director Della Kagure Brown said: "Criminalising the women in this way could really set them back and jeopardise any progress they’ve made with the support of agencies like ours.

"I’m sure this has been taken into account but at New Futures we do urge that this new legislation is used sensitively."

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City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby (Picture: Leicester City Council)

Carl Martin, our direct services manager, added: "Potentially a relatively small offence could cause someone to breach their probation conditions and be recalled to prison - a terrible outcome if they have been attending probation appointments and are due to come off licence."

The order covers the city centre within the inner ring road, plus the area around the railway station, New Walk, and London Road up to Granville Road.

A person will be in breach of the PSPO if they "cause a nuisance" by:

• Using an e-bike, bike, skateboard or scooter irresponsibly

• Consuming alcohol when asked to stop by an authorised officer

• Using amplification equipment without authorisation

• Begging

• Collecting for charity without the council’s permission

• Putting up a gazebo or other temporary structure without authorisation

The question of whether the order was necessary was put out to public consultation earlier this year. The council said the majority of 1,139 responses were in favour of the measures.

City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Like all big cities, Leicester has seen a rise in anti-social behaviour in recent years – and it’s clearly affecting people’s enjoyment of our streets and spaces.

“Whether it’s problems associated with street drinking or begging, the unauthorised use of amplification equipment, or the irresponsible use of e-bikes and scooters, these behaviours are a nuisance – and they need to stop.

“I’m determined that we use all the tools at our disposal to tackle the behaviour of the individuals who are spoiling the city centre for the rest of us, and it’s clear from the consultation that the majority of the population want us to take action too."

 The New Futures Project offers a comprehensive welfare and counselling service for women and young people dealing with sexual abuse or exploitation, domestic violence, trafficking, poverty and debt, substance use or mental ill-health.

Call us on 0116 251 0803 or send us a message at: info@new-futures.org.uk

You can find us at 71 London Road, Leicester, LE2 0PE.