New measures, which bring in stronger controls on antisocial behaviour, are now in force in Aldershot and Farnborough town centres.

The Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) were drawn up following a four-week public consultation in February and March, and were approved by Rushmoor Borough Council’s Cabinet in May and Hampshire Constabulary and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire in June.

The new orders give police and council officers greater powers to control a range of antisocial behaviours which have, or are likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life of the local community.

The restrictions cover behaviour in a public place including:

• Drinking alcohol
• The use of psychoactive substances
• Going to the toilet in public (urinating and defecating)
• Loitering – causing nuisance including with the intent to beg

Results reported to the Cabinet in May showed that of the 225 people who responded to the consultation, between 90.4% and 98.2% backed the different restrictions.

The orders, which came into force on Friday 23 June, will remain in place for three years, although that can be extended if similar antisocial problems remain.

Full details, including relevant maps of the proposed PSPOs, are available on the council’s website at www.rushmoor.gov.uk/pspo

Councillor Ken Muschamp, Rushmoor Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Business Safety and Regulation, said: “The PSPOs will strengthen our ability to deal with the current issues we are experiencing in our town centres and give both the council and the police the chance to respond more flexibly to the worst kinds of antisocial behaviour.

“The consultation showed that those that live, work and own businesses in the town centre are keen for us to take a more proactive response to these issues. We would like to thank everyone who responded to the consultation and let them know that all their views were taken into consideration.”