Following an increase in anti-social behaviour in and around Chelmsley Wood bus interchange, Solihull Council is proposing to create a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in the area. Before this can be implemented, the Council needs to consult with people who live and work in Chelmsley Wood.
The reason for proposing the PSPO is that there have been consistently high numbers of anti-social behaviour reports in and around Chelmsley Wood bus interchange. This includes 113 calls to the police about anti-social behaviour in the area from July to November 2024 which ranged from damage to buses and other vehicles to thefts and fighting. There have also been reports of people carrying knives and of dangerous and inconsiderate riding of high-powered electric motorbikes.
Although the area is covered by CCTV, many of the people carrying out these crimes have hidden their identity by covering their faces with balaclavas and scarves.
Because of these issues, Solihull Council and West Midlands Police would like to create a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in the area. The Council and the Police both think that this would help to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area considerably.
In summary, the PSPO would:
- Prohibit people from riding, cycling or using an e-bike, e-scooter, motorbike or quad bike within the restricted area, unless they have a reasonable excuse
- Give an authorised person, such as a police or council officer, the power to require groups of three or more people to leave the restricted area from 6pm – 6am
- Give an authorised person, such as a police or council officer, the power to require a person to remove a face covering if it hides their identity and they’re suspected of anti-social behaviour.
The PSPO would remain in force for a maximum of three years. Failure to comply with a PSPO is a criminal offence and currently the maximum penalty on conviction is £2,500.
Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Wazma Qais, said: “Anti-social behaviour in and around the bus interchange in Chelmsley Wood is having a very negative affect on local residents and businesses. Data from West Midlands Police shows the level of the problem and we think that a PSPO will help to tackle it.
“Before we can implement a PSPO we need to hold a consultation. I would urge anyone who lives, works or has a business in the area to help us get this right by taking part. By doing so, you can provide us with valuable feedback about the proposed PSPO as a whole and the individual elements of it. There are seven questions and it should only take about five to ten minutes to complete.
“Residents can also help us to tackle anti-social behaviour across the borough by reporting anti-social behaviour to the Council’s Hotline on 0121 717 1500.”
The consultation starts on 3 February and will close at 5pm on 16 March.
To read the proposed PSPO in full and take part in the consultation visit – https://yourvoicesolihull.uk.engagementhq.com/chelmsley-wood-public-space-protection-order-pspo-consultation
If you witness anti-social behaviour, please help by reporting it. You can call the Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Hotline on 0121 717 1500 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org