An area in the car park of Bath Sports and Leisure Centre which was used by up to 10 rough sleepers has been cleared by Avon and Somerset Police in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Two people were issued with Community Protection Warnings (CPWs) by neighbourhood police officers on Friday morning, 29th April, after ongoing complaints about anti-social behaviour, harassment and intimidation from the site.
The action follows a previous visit to the site by police in March in which three of the group were issued CPWs and put in touch with support agencies.
Police Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator Tim Harris said: “Since last month’s visit the numbers using the car park have reduced. However complaints have continued, showing that this behaviour is having an ongoing and unreasonable impact on the community.
“Tackling the issues caused by street drinking has been raised by the community as a policing priority for the city centre police team.
“Police and council staff have contacted leisure centre staff, Bath Rugby, the Recreation Ground Trust and agencies including Julian House, Reach and Housing Options. The CPW notices we’ve given to the rough sleepers have contact details for outreach workers who can offer them support.”
The neighbourhood beat team has arranged for property belonging to the rough sleepers not present when the site was cleared to be held by Julian House.
Bath & North East Somerset Council staff cleared litter from the site including used needles.
Officers will continue to check the car park and the recreation ground as part of their regular patrols.
The CPWs bar the individuals from sleeping in the car park and Bath Recreation Ground and also from:
- Leaving bedding, rubbish, human or dog faeces, urine, or other items in the area.
- Drinking alcohol, using illegal substances, or legal highs, or being clearly under the influence of any of these substances, within the area.
- Allowing any dog you have under your control, to be off the lead in the area.
- Using electrical points without permission.
- Being aggressive, abusive, or threatening to any person.
Anyone who doesn’t comply with a CPW can be issued with a Community Protection Notice (CPN). Breaching a CPN is a criminal offence which could lead to arrest and prosecution.
