Huge crackdown on yob behaviour around key Birmingham street after 'overwhelming reports'

Birmingham City Council is considering a new measure to help tackle trouble on one of the city's busiest roads. Under the proposals, council and police officers will be granted extra powers to crackdown on yob behaviour plaguing the Coventry Road area.

A Public Spaces Protection Order, known as a PSPO, is being considered for a three-year period to help tackle a "wide range of anti-social behaviours." The neighbourhood suffers from illegal street trading, peddling and make-shift road obstructions, the council said.

The order would give police and designated council officers more powers to tackle the problems. A consultation period has opened and will run until midnight on January 17 with residents given an opportunity to have their say in meetings.

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Dave Benbow, trading standards acting head of service, said: "PSPO's are part of the ASB legislation, which was introduced nationally in October 2014.

"This order will provide the police and designated council officers with additional powers across a defined geographical area to tackle a wide range of anti-social behaviours. The prohibitions within the order have been put into place due to overwhelming reports made to the police and the council from residents, businesses, and professionals who live, work and travel through Coventry Road.

"The behaviours complained about include illegal street trading, peddling, charity cash or digital collections and obstruction of the public highway. We propose the order be in force for three years."

Birmingham City Council said: "We're considering introducing a PSPO to combat ASB in the Coventry Road area of Birmingham. This order, proposed for three years will provide the police and designated council officers with additional powers across the area to tackle a range of anti-social behaviours.

"Anti-social behaviours include illegal street trading, peddling, charity collections and public highway obstructions made from residents, businesses, and professionals who live, work and travel through Coventry Road. Consultation closes at midnight on January 17."

Do you live in this area? Have you been affected by the problems? We would like to hear from you. You can contact us by emailing stephanie.balloo@reachplc.com