Steps take to stamp out ASB in pannier market

A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in Barnstaple, aimed at stamping out early morning anti-social behaviour (ASB) incidents in the Pannier Market, has been amended.

Barriers to a public right of way through the centre of the market will remain closed for longer to prevent intimidating behaviour, public drinking, and urination.

These issues have occurred since the market reopened in August 2023 following extensive refurbishment.

The PSPO was introduced by North Devon Council in 2018 and prohibits activities such as drinking alcohol, littering, and skateboarding in the market area.

It originally included the closure of a public right of way between Butchers Row and Market Street overnight, from 6pm to 5am.

Councillors were informed this week that the order had largely been effective.

However, since the market reopened, there have been nine incidents between 5am and 7.30am, with police being called to two of them.

Town centre manager Hannah Harrington told councillors that 85 per cent of people who participated in a public consultation wanted the barriers to remain closed until 7.30am.

Opponents of the extension cited concerns about toilets being inaccessible and argued that crime prevention is the responsibility of the police, not the council.

Breaching a PSPO is a criminal offence enforceable by police officers, police community support officers, and certain council officers.

Ms Harrington stated that public disorder and street drinking, breaching a PSPO covering the town centre, are prevalent and increasing.

She warned that this behaviour would inevitably transfer to the Pannier Market if the PSPO there is not renewed.

Data from August 2023 to November 2024 showed that the Pannier Market was the third highest ASB hotspot in the town centre, following the High Street and the bus station.

Before the barriers were installed, the entire market was accessible at all hours, leading to a long history of overnight anti-social behaviour, which intensified up to 2018, particularly in winter, Ms Harrington said.

Councillors supported the renewal of the PSPO for three years, with the barrier closing between 6pm and 7.30am.