MEASURES against antisocial behaviour in the Pill area of Newport have been “extensively used” in its first year, a report reveals.

A public spaces protection order (PSPO) was introduced in the area last year by Newport City Council and is enforced by Gwent Police and community safety wardens.

The order aims to curb groups or individuals from committing antisocial behaviour in a public space which is having, or is likely to have, a detrimental effect on residents.

Specific restrictions in Pill prohibited street drinking, drug supply or consumption, and gathering in a group of three or more people in the restricted area after being told to disperse.

READ MORE: Success of Pill crackdowns leads to changing view

Those found to be in breach of the PSPO face a fixed penalty notice (FPN) of £100 or prosecution with a maximum fine of £400 for alcohol-related offences or £1,000 for other restrictions.

The effectiveness of the PSPO will be reviewed by the council’s overview scrutiny committee on September 20 and will be regularly monitored over the next two years.

Feedback from Inspector Jason Williams suggests that the PSPO – particularly the ability to disperse groups – has been a “valuable tool” for police officers in response to issues in Pill.

A council report says: “Without his restriction the police have to rely on dispersal powers in the Antisocial Behaviour Crime & Policing Act 2014 to deal with groups causing antisocial behaviour.

“[Dispersal powers] require a police inspector or higher rank to make a specific authorisation for no longer than 48 hours.

“This PSPO restriction has therefore been extensively used by the police during the first year.”

Most groups encountered by officers have left the area when first asked without the need for a fine, but no records have been kept on how many times this has been the case.

But officers have found the dispersal of groups to be challenging as they often leave for a short period of time before congregating again.

The report continues: “In this situation police officers have found it difficult to judge if the individuals have complied with the request or not, and therefore whether they should issue an FPN or not.”

Enforcement of street drinking has also been carried out “extensively”, while restrictions for intoxicating substances have been required “infrequently”.

In total, eight FPNs have been issued by Gwent Police during the first year of operation – seven for individuals refusing to stop drinking alcohol, and one to an individual in a group who refused to disperse.

The report adds: “This should not be judged to be poor performance, as the service of a FPN is not often required to gain compliance (the threat is usually sufficient) and it is the compliance that officers desire, not high numbers of FPNs served.”

Gwent Police has also held seven Pill Action Days, an awareness event organised by the force, Newport City Council, councillors and community groups, since August 2017.