Chelmsley Wood Traders Report Ongoing Anti-Social Behaviour Despite PSPO Crackdown
Traders at Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre in Solihull have voiced concerns that anti-social behaviour continues to plague the area, despite the implementation of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) last summer. The crackdown was introduced by Solihull Council decision-makers in response to serious incidents, including knives being brandished, bus vandalism, fights, and the dangerous use of electric bikes around the bus interchange.
Persistent Issues in the Shopping Precinct
Roger Cufflin, owner of Munch Cards and Gifts in the shopping precinct, highlighted that problems are still ongoing. "Only last Saturday we had to get security – a kid on a bike wearing a balaclava going round," he said. "They are still on bikes, e-bikes – they don't care about the police or anyone. The one day youths at the bus stops threw stones." Cufflin added that youths have even abused him while going into work, and overall, he has not noticed any significant improvement since the PSPO was enforced.
Trader Experiences and Safety Concerns
A woman trader in the shopping centre expressed her fears, stating, "If I've been working on my own I don't go out at night, my other half comes to collect me. I hear kids messing about. I've stopped wearing my gold chains now to be careful." Another trader noted, "I've seen more police around here but there's just as many kids. I don't think it (the PSPO) has deterred them. It becomes entertainment for them (to be chased)."
Details of the Public Spaces Protection Order
The PSPO, which has another two years to run, covers the Chelmsley Circle-based bus interchange, as well as KFC and McDonald's fast food restaurants. Key prohibitions include:
- Using e-bikes in the restricted area
- Groups of three or more people gathered at night having to leave if suspected of causing a nuisance
- Removing a face mask when asked to by an authorised person
Failure to comply with the PSPO is a criminal offence, carrying a maximum fine of £2,500. Councillor Wazma Qais, the authority's cabinet portfolio holder for communities, reported at a full council meeting earlier this year that West Midlands Police has confirmed 66 people are currently going through the PSPO enforcement process. This process involves education, warnings, referral for fixed penalty notices, and prosecution if breaches continue.
Calls for Community Engagement
Teresa Farrell, who runs the wellbeing retreat 'Push on Wellbeing' supporting people including the homeless, emphasised the need for proactive solutions. "We need to get them off the streets. I want a community engagement centre for Chelmsley Wood to give them something to do," she said. This highlights a growing call for more community-based initiatives to address the root causes of anti-social behaviour, rather than relying solely on enforcement measures.
Broader Context and Additional PSPO
As reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Solihull Council has also enforced a second PSPO, which targets boy racers on roads near Birmingham Airport. This measure has been welcomed by locals, indicating a broader council effort to tackle anti-social behaviour across different areas. However, the ongoing issues at Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre suggest that while PSPOs can be a tool in the fight against nuisance activities, their effectiveness may vary, and continuous monitoring and community support are essential for long-term improvement.
