Loiterers, drunks and druggies could be fined under tough new plans to tackle anti-social behaviour in Rhyl.
Denbighshire County Council is asking the public for their views about the new initiative which would allow council officers or their agents to hand out fixed penalty notices of £75 to a £100.
The intention of the proposed Public Spaces Order (PSPO) is to tackle people boozing or drug-taking openly in the town centre.
The council says this is often the catalyst for acts such as defecating, urinating, begging and loitering - often in shop fronts.
Denbighshire senior public protection officer Tim Wynne-Evans said there was evidence of “persistent complaints” from businesses in Rhyl town centre and the wider community.
The proposed designated area in Rhyl includes the town centre from Marsh Road to the promenade.
At present, the main responsibility for dealing with such problems lies with the police.
Under the proposed new order, if people ignore the fixed penalty notice or refuse to comply with the council officer, then the police will be called.
Mr Wynne-Evans said: “We believe this new proposal will have a positive impact on the local community and would address concerns raised by businesses and residents about anti-social behaviour.”
The agents working for the council would be noticeable for their black dress but would also wear body cameras, badges and fluorescent jackets.
He said: “They won’t have powers of detention and can get in touch with the police if they need to.”
He said the cost of paying for the agents would be “neutral” and would be recouped by the company employing them.
Since 2012, Denbighshire has employed a company called Kingdom Environmental Protection to carry out similar “enforcement” work around the county - but without having these latest powers.
Rhyl West Cllr Joan Butterfield said: “If there was money available for it, I would say: ‘Wonderful, let’s get on with it.”
The consultation began on Tuesday, April 12 and ends on Tuesday, May 24. The order can be found on the council’s website.
see-http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/rhyl-crackdown-loiterers-drunks-druggies-11231212
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