THURROCK Council has announced it is planning to tackle anti-social behaviour in Grays, including street drinking, abusive language, harassment, spitting and other unacceptable behaviour, by renewing an existing Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), which appears to have been unsuccessful in dealing with the problem to date.

The council has acknowledged the problem of anti-social behaviour has been a constant problem for residents and the image of the town has been increasingly tarnished.

The previous PSPO covering Grays ran out in March this year, prompting the council to launch a consultation on what people wanted. While the new order has been expanded geographically, 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, little else appears different.

The order that expired four months ago, covered the following areas.

· Sherfield Road, from junction with Argent Street to crossing with Crown Road

· Crown Road to Stanley Road

· Stanley Road to Orsett Road

· Orsett Road into London Road, into Hogg Lane, to Eastern Way

· Eastern Way to Seally Road

· Seally Road to London Road

· London Road to Maidstone Road

· Maidstone Road to Bruces Wharf Road

· Bruces Wharf Road to Argent Street

· Argent Street to Sherfield Road, incorporating the Derby Road Bridge

· Hampden Road, including the alleyway parallel to Orsett Road

· Bridge Road, from Orsett Road to Argent Street

The former order was targeted at stopping:

 Street Drinking: Restricts public alcohol consumption linked to harassment, alarm, or distress.

 Recreational Drugs: Prohibits the use of nitrous oxide within the designated zone.

 Disorderly Conduct: Bans behaviours such as shouting, swearing, spitting, and general intimidation.

Introducing the 'new' order today (Tuesday, 4 August), Council leader Cllr Richard Bingley, who is also cabinet member 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 council statement today said: "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."

Cllr Richard Bingley, Leader of Thurrock Council and Cabinet Member 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.

The latest order will remain in place until at least 2029.