Nuisance cyclists and balaclava-wearing bikers set to be banned in Nuneaton and Bedworth town centres

Plans to to ban nuisance cyclists, scooter riders and skateboarders from riding through Nuneaton and Bedworth town centres are set for the go-ahead. A new council report reveals that plans for a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) have been backed by the majority of locals.

It received a received a total of 316 anonymous responses in relation to the proposed Town Centre’s PSPO that aims to reduce anti-social behaviour incidents. This includes asking people to dismount if they are cycling, skateboarding, scootering or using similar devices if they are 'riding in a malicious and/or dangerous manner as to cause harassment, alarm or distress to any person within that area.'

It is not a ban on all cyclists using the town centre, just those thought to be or causing a nuisance. Other proposals includes banning people from wearing face coverings in an attempt to conceal their identity to cause harassment, alarm or distress to any person; this includes scarves, balaclavas, and masks. This would not include a face covering worn in respect of religious or cultural beliefs.

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Also, a group of three or more within the restricted area believed to be causing harassment, alarm or distress to any person can be asked to immediately leave and not return to the restricted area within 48 hours.

The new PSPO is the brainchild of both the local council and police. The final decision on whether it will be given the go-ahead will be made at a cabinet meeting at the Town Hall on Wednesday, January 15.

Consultation responses

The report says that 312 responses, 52.9 per cent of respondents elaborated their thoughts on the PSPO. It proved to bring up a number of issues such as locals 'not feeling safe' and also a plea to help stop incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour at the Bedworth Tesco store.

The full responses were:

• 75 (45.5 per cent) comments were in support of the PSPO and welcomed it.

• 26 (15.8 per cent ) comments made reference to wanting to see an increase in police patrols and giving police more powers to carry out stop and searches

• 15 (9.1 per cent) comments made reference to reports of anti-social behaviour within the town centres and not feeling safe

• 11 (6.7 per cent ) comments raised concerns that ASB could be moved out of the restriction zones or requested the PSPO to be extended to all/other areas of the borough. This specifically included Riversley Park, Bulkington Village, Galley Common and Camp Hill.

• 6 (3.6 per cent) comments requested NBBC ban balaclavas, scooters, mobility scooters and vehicles from the town centres

• 6 (3.6 per cent) comments asked for further clarification regarding the PSPO. This included concerns cyclists pedalling in a safe manner, authorised persons, what is meant by “cultural reasons”, how residents can report a breach of the PSPO and the process if a FPN is not paid.

• 4 (2.4 per cent) comments provided suggestions of how to tackle ASB.

• 3 (1.8 per cent) comments asked us to consider using alternative enforcement such as Community Orders or signposting young people to community hubs.

• 3 (1.8 per cent) comments mentioned the inclusion of speeding vehicles through the town centres.

• 3 (1.8 per cent) comments were against the PSPO being introduced.

• 3 (1.8 per cent) comments either did not leave any content or were neither for nor against the PSPO being introduced.

• 2 (1.2 per cent) comments asked the council consider adding cycle routes within the town centre.

• 1 (0.6 per cent) comment asked for NBBC to ban foul language.

• 1 (0.6 per cent) asked for NBBC to ban individuals from congregating outside of shops.

• 1 (0.6 per cent) comment asked for the wording to be re-considered in clause 2 of the PSPO.

• 1 (0.6 per cent) comment asked for the staff at Tesco’s in Bedworth needing more help to deal with ASB incidents.

• 1 (0.6 per cent) comment asked us to consider a focus group to understand why the incidents of ASB have increased within the locations.

• 1 (0.6 per cent) comment referred to parking issues within the town centre.

• 1 (0.6 per cent) comment asked for “authorised persons” to be trained to detain those in breach of the PSPO.

• 1 (0.6 per cent) comment referred to CCTV being operated 24/7.

The responses and a final decision on whether the PSPO will be approved will be made by cabinet members at a meeting at the Town Hall on Wednesday, January 15.