THURROCk Council says a renewed Public Space Protection Order will help make Grays safer by cracking down on anti-social behaviour, including street drinking, abusive language, harassment, spitting and other unacceptable behaviour.

The Grays Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) has been renewed for another three years. It gives the council enforcement officers the power to immediately move on people breaching the order and confiscate alcoholic drinks, nitrous oxide canisters and any other intoxicating substances being used in public.

If anyone refuses to comply, they face being given an immediate fixed penalty notice.

Council leader Cllr Richard Bingley, who is also the portfolio holder responsible for Public Protection, Community Safety and Veterans, said: "Anti-social behaviour in town centres is a scourge that blights the lives of ordinary people as they go about their daily lives.

"This order shows just how seriously we take this menace and gives us the powers we need to stop those committing acts of anti-social behaviour in their tracks, immediately move them on and prevent them from returning to Grays for 48 hours.

"If they do not obey the officers, they will pay the price and be issued with an on-the-spot fine.

"We have no tolerance for those who think that it is acceptable to drink, shout, swear, spit or intimidate others on the streets of Grays. This order gives us the power to tackle such behaviour quickly and effectively."

A PSPO is a legal tool used by councils to help prevent anti-social behaviour in public places. In simple terms, it allows the Council and the police to set rules for certain areas, such as restricting street drinking, where this behaviour has a negative impact on the local community. The aim is to make public spaces safer and more welcoming for everyone.

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The current PSPO in Grays expands the area covered by the order to include Church Path up to the junction of Wharf Road, Grays Beach Riverside Park, including Thames Road, and the foreshore up to Anchor Court. It will remain in place until at least 2029.