Seven people banned from street drinking in Leighton Buzzard town centre for two years

Two weeks ago, the LBO reported that the council was seeking the injunction after securing an interim order.

Now, the “ground-breaking” injunction has been passed with a duration of two years. The seven named individuals are banned from having open containers of alcohol without a lawful reason, and from urinating and vomiting in the town centre. If they breach this, they are liable to arrest and to be taken back to court.

Cllr Ian Dalgarno, portfolio holder for community services, said: “The street drinkers were offered help and support but continued to cause a nuisance for members of the public and shop staff. It is unfortunate that we have had to take these measures, but we have to protect members of the public and business people from this type of anti-social behaviour.

“What makes this case special is that the judge granted an extension to the injunction so that anyone who causes a similar nuisance in the future can also be added to it. This successful conclusion demonstrates how a joint commitment to partnership working is really effective in dealing with these types of nuisance behaviour, which can otherwise blight neighbourhoods and peoples’ lives.”

Police community support officer, Elliot Weedon, who led on the police aspects of the injunction, said: “This was the culmination of 14 months of hard work by both agencies to address a problem that has plagued Leighton Buzzard town centre for a long period. Police officers had tried to use other powers to curb the nuisance behaviour, but these proved ineffective when new drinkers moved into the town. Therefore, we began to collect evidence for an injunction.

“We are dedicated to working closely with our partners. This was a two-year long operation, and we’re happy to now have the injunction. We will continue to crack down on this type of anti-social behaviour in Leighton Buzzard, and encourage the public to report any information to us.”

To find out more information or to report acts of anti-social behaviour, visit the council’s website or call their Anti-Social Behaviour and Statutory Nuisance team on 0300 300 8302.