Protesters continue fight over PSPOs

Protesters once again gathered on the steps of Worthing Town Hall to register their dismay over council plans to crack down on antisocial behaviour.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Jul 2016, 12:31 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 01:45 BST
Protesters gather outside Worthing Town Hall over the implementation of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) SUS-160720-090050001Protesters gather outside Worthing Town Hall over the implementation of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) SUS-160720-090050001
Protesters gather outside Worthing Town Hall over the implementation of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) SUS-160720-090050001

More than 86,000 people have signed a petition against the introduction of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), agreed by Worthing Borough Council in April.

The powers will enable police and council officers to issue fixed penalty notices for those who disobey restrictions on begging, street drinking and overnight camping.

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But critics claimed the orders would criminalise the homeless – a point disputed by the council.

Katy Parsonage, of Worthing People’s Assembly, said she hoped the protest would demonstrate that the orders were ‘really unpopular’.

She said: “We want to support the homeless people who are going to be punished for something which is not their fault.

“The money should be used for supporting night shelters instead.”

The protest was held before Tuesday’s meeting of full council.

Related topics:Worthing Borough Council