Cyngor Gwynedd seeking public opinion on new community safety plan

Cyngor Gwynedd is asking people to share their views on the intention to introduce new measures in three specific towns within the county to tackle anti-social behaviour.

There is an opportunity for people with links to Caernarfon, Cricieth and Pwllheli – for example people living, working or visiting these towns regularly – to have their say on plans to introduce a Public Space Protection Order in the three towns.

If the Council proceeds with the orders, the authorities will have additional powers within these areas to tackle specific nuisances or issues, with the aim of improving the lives of residents and visitors in the area.

For instance, the restrictions under consideration by the Council for Pwllheli, Cricieth and Caernarfon would make it easier for the authorities to prevent people from consuming alcohol in public spaces and from loitering when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It will also give authorities new powers to prevent people from behaving in a way that would cause others harassment, alarm, nuisance or distress.  

Councillor Dilwyn Morgan, Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet Member with responsibility for Community Safety said:

“Gwynedd is a pleasant place to live and to work and we take pride in our welcoming communities. However, unfortunately – as is the case for towns and villages in all parts of the country – from time to time, we see unacceptable behaviour which can cause alarm to the rest of the community.

“To be able to respond to specific situations we are considering introducing a Public Space Protection Order in the towns of Cricieth, Caernarfon and Pwllheli.

“These additional powers are aimed at enabling the Police to deal much more effectively with a small minority of people who are having a negative impact on our communities. We are confident that this will protect the majority of the public who wish to live peaceful lives without fear for their personal safety or the security of their property. 

“I would encourage people with links to these areas to visit Cyngor Gwynedd’s website to view the maps of the proposed areas, and to share their views on the plans.”

Chief Inspector Lisa Jones of North Wales Police said: “The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) consultations to implement PSPOs in Pwllheli, Criccieth and Caernarfon are an important step in tackling concerns raised by residents and wider community members.

“Anti-social behaviour can have a detrimental impact on those living, working and visiting the area.

 

“If granted, the PSPOs would assist Local Policing Teams in dealing with a minority of individuals who are persistent on behaving in an anti-social manner, supporting North Wales Police’s priorities of fighting, preventing and reducing crime.”

To find out more and to have your say on the PSPO plans for the areas of Caernarfon, Cricieth and Pwllheli, go to Cyngor Gwynedd's website: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/Haveyoursay and click on ‘Live Consultations’.

This consultation is open until 7 April 2024. The feedback will then be considered by councillors and officers before drawing up proposals for the final PSPO, to be considered by all Cyngor Gwynedd members.

To view this survey in another format, style or language please contact Cyngor Gwynedd on 01286 679708 or cydraddoldeb@gwynedd.llyw.cymru. Paper copies of the questionnaire are also available from Pwllheli, Cricieth and Caernarfon libraries and from Siop Gwynedd in Pwllheli and Caernarfon. 

Notes

The Public Space Protection Order is one of the powers introduced under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Police Act, 2014

A Public Spaces Protection Order was introduced in Bangor in 2019.