A call for more police on the streets in Bideford to deal with anti-social behaviour (ASB) has been made after 345 reported incidents last year. The top three hotspots in Torridge in 2023 were the Quay, the High Street and Mill Street in Bideford respectively, a report to Torridge District Council reveals.
Cllr Chris Leather (Ind, Northam ) said the document made "awful reading". But public health and community safety manager Phil Gilbert said a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) introduced in 2010 restricting street drinking in the centre of the town had had an effect.
He said since that time ASB incidents captured on CCTV had reduced by more than half. Under the order, police and council enforcement officers can stop individuals or groups committing anti-social behaviour. They can confiscate alcohol and move people on. A breach of a PSPO can result in a fixed penalty notice of £100 or a fine of up to £1,000 if it goes to court.
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Torridge councillors have extended the order, which last for three years and has been amended to include the old cattle market which is being transferred to Bideford Rugby Club for a multi-use sports facility.
They also agreed that the time after which people can return to the area after being dispersed will be increased from six hours to 24 hours, in line with PSPOs put in place by North Devon Council, with which TDC shares a community safety partnership.
Last year, police issued 31 dispersal orders in Bideford and are progressing one breach of an order.
This followed 145 ASB-related calls about incidents on the Quay, 107 on the High Street and 93 in Mill Street.
Cllr Anna Dart (Ind, Hartland) has had regular reports from a resident in Bideford about drunk people defecating in her doorway. She said the PSPO and licensing should be looked at together and there should be more enforcement.
"You can make the PSPO area whatever you like, but it's not making any difference," she said.
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Cllr Chris Leather said: "This report makes awful reading. The bottom line is there appears to be no police in Bideford. You do not see them, and until the police get out their cars and start walking on foot like they used to, it will never reduce."
Mr Gilbert said some people see PSPOs as pointless but "it is making a difference and it's important that people report ASB as it adds to the statistics. Even if it is not resolved on that occasion it bolsters the case for funding for that area."
He said more council workers are going out with police to become trained in enforcing the PSPO.
Superintendent Toby Davies of North Devon Police said: "We have seen significant reductions in ASB-related incidents across Torridge, including central Bideford and neighbouring towns and villages.
"However, we are aware that in some areas there are issues with drugs and alcohol and the associated disorder that arises from substance abuse. This has a direct influence and contribution on ASB, and we work in tandem with other organisations such as addiction centres, mental health services, and community support groups."
He said councils had a "key role" to play in helping make local areas safe and discussions are taking place about what could be done to achieve more impactful measures such as fines and ultimately Criminal Behaviour Orders.
"Work is ongoing to set up a community engagement hub in Jubilee Square which will go towards combating issues right in the heart of the Bideford town centre.
He said the area is "routinely patrolled by officers" and extra funding has been secured which would "support with further visibility in hotspot areas of concern".
He added: "We would always encourage the public to report matters to the police, which directly influences our patrol plans. People having issues with the 101 service are asked to report non-emergency incidents to police through our website."
