Man and woman fined after breaching Great Yarmouth's anti-social behaviour order
Two people have been fined and ordered to pay costs after breaching Great Yarmouth and Gorleston's ban on street drinking.
In a move designed to make the borough safer and more welcoming, the council last year introduced a range of tougher powers to tackle anti-social behaviour.
And, in a prosecution brought by the council, two more people have been convicted of breaching the anti-social behaviour public spaces protection order.
Nathan Carter, 39, of no-fixed abode, was charged with five breaches of the order in a variety of locations in the town.
Carter failed to attend his court hearing on May 12, and - after hearing evidence - the case was found proved in his absence by Great Yarmouth magistrates.
The court was told the defendant already has outstanding fines of £1,100 after being convicted previously of similar offences. Magistrates fined him £350 with £250 costs. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £140.
Kirsty Saunders, 40, previously of Springfield Road in Gorleston, but now of no-fixed abode, was found to be in breach of the order on February 2, close to the town's Morrisons store in Blackwall Reach.
At Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court on May 12, Saunders apologised and said it was a one-off offence she wouldn't repeat. She told the court she was focused on trying to get her life together. She was fined £60 with £40 costs and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £24.
The council introduced the public spaces protection order following a public consultation in which people said feeling safe and the cleanliness of the town centre were major priorities.
As a result, public drinking of alcohol, begging, urinating in public, spitting and riding bikes or e-scooters on paths have all been banned in parts of the borough.
Councillor Paul Wells, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's portfolio holder for Environment and Sustainability, Licensing and Waste, said: ''We are determined to deal more effectively with anti-social behaviour.
''Our residents have made it clear they want action to deal with the small number of people who have a negative impact on the lives of others. We won't tolerate highly visible street drinking and people feeling intimidated. We all want a town that is safe and welcoming for everyone.''
There are currently three PSPOs in the borough that enable the council, in partnership with the police, to deal with anti-social behaviour, vehicles and dog control.
The prosecutions also follow the introduction earlier this year of a new council-led taskforce in Great Yarmouth focused on anti-social behaviour, resolving problem properties and keeping streets clean and tidy.
The taskforce means there are four new council enforcement officers, three more police officers and three additional street cleansing workers dedicated to issues important to residents. The taskforce is also educating residents, providing support and advice where appropriate and, where possible, helping people move on from street-attached lifestyles.
You can find out more about what Great Yarmouth Borough Council is doing to tackle anti-social behaviour here: www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/article/15111/What-is-the-Council-doing-about-anti-social-behaviour
