New anti-social behaviour order now in force at Gateford’s Celtic Point is first of its kind in Notts

A surge in complaints against yobs intimidating residents at Celtic Point led to a council crackdown on anti-social behaviour in the area, with the ‘Gateford Public Spaces Protection Order 2015’ coming into force on Monday 18th May following a period of public consultation.

The new order prohibits shouting, swearing or acting in a manner as to cause annoyance, harassment, alarm or distress to any person- and also means that 16 year olds will not be permitted to gather in the vicinity in groups of three or more.

Breaching the order is a criminal offence, and following a conviction magistrates have the power to order the offender to pay a fine of up to £1000.

Coun Julie Leigh, cabinet member for neighbourhoods at Bassetlaw Council, said:“The new Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 gives us the powers to target anti-social behaviour in specific areas.”

“Working with our partners at Notts Police, the Gateford Public Spaces Protection Order means action can be taken against those whose actions intimidate and cause distress to others.”

The order also allows Notts Police to stop people consuming alcohol at Celtic Point andgives officers the power to force individuals to surrender the alcohol and thereafter dispose of it.

Any person who continues to consume alcohol or fails to surrender it commits’ a criminal offence which can be prosecuted in the Magistrates Court, where the Court can order the offender to pay a fine of up to £500.

Notts Police have the power not to instigate a prosecution and can instead issue a fixed penalty notice of £100.