Dear Resident

It was great to see some fantastic photos of people enjoying drinks and meals in Market Square, Atherstone over the weekend.

Market Square is often called the Gem of the town and we openly encourage people to take advantage of this location and to relax whilst enjoying the atmosphere along with the variety of drinks and meals the establishments have to offer .

The pubs have worked very hard over the years to build up a great reputation and clientele and more recently have undergone renovations works along with new ownership.

This has created an increase in footfall in the area and is brilliant for the local independent businesses and town with a further bar to open shortly in Market Square .

Unfortunately, over the years we have also seen an increase in anti-social behaviour with individuals consuming alcohol from cans (street drinking) early in the morning till late at night both in Market Square and Longstreet.

During this time the emergency services have been called out unnecessarily on a number of occasions and in one instance one offender has contacted the Ambulance and Police over 100 times to get home.

This offender was recently sentenced to two months custody for breaching his Criminal Behaviour Order .

Local businesses and members of the public have had to endure people being sick or urinating in doorways during the daytime and often feel intimidated by their presence.

The Safer Neighbourhood Team and North Warwickshire Borough Council Community Partnership Team have worked very hard over the last 2 years with local businesses, residents and public whilst also carrying out two separate surveys to identify any concerns about an alcohol and substance zone in Atherstone town centre.

After receiving postive feedback from the surveys North Warwickshire Borough Council approved a three year Public Space Protection Order.

This gives both the police and authorised council officers increased powers to deal with street drinking and drug abuse to deter such behaviour.

Despite the best efforts of our Safer Neighbourhood Team officers working with CGL ( change grow and live ) where individuals were offered direct help and support on several occasions this was declined.

Unfortunately, this has left us with little choice but to deal with the individuals through community protection notices , criminal behaviour orders or put before the courts.

The Public Spaces Protection Order excludes pubs, restaurants, and community events.

Hopefully this great weather will continue over this weekend and officers will be out on patrol.

Please say hello to us as you enjoy your drinks in the square .

We hope this has offered some reassurance to a number of questions being asked about the PSPO signs recently placed around the town.