Hastings town centre benches to be removed

Hastings Borough Council said the benches, located in front of Jempson’s, are currently a ‘hot spot for anti-social behaviour’.

The council said these benches will be removed on Friday (September 11).

The announcement comes after a number of business owners told the Hastings Observer they had had enough of the drink and drug related anti-social behaviour outside their shops.

Some staff members also reported feeling intimidated by the group when serving customers outdoors and when turning up to work.

The problems in Wellington Place have affected businesses for the past few years but, with the added stress of the Covid-19 pandemic, the owners told Hastings Borough Council and Sussex Police that ‘enough is enough’ as they demanded action was taken.

Announcing the decision to remove the benches, cllr Paul Barnett, lead councillor for urban environment and community safety, said: “There is a small anti-social minority who congregate on these benches in the town centre. They become abusive amongst themselves, and to passers-by, and it can seem very threatening and intimidating to staff, visitors and residents.

“I am really glad that we are taking this action and reclaiming this space with the removal of these benches. It is an action that sends a message: we won’t tolerate abusive anti-social behaviour in our town.

“This action is just the start. We anticipate a series of court cases soon and will continue to press for enforcement action against serious anti-social behaviour. We are increasing our staff presence in Wellington Place and will ensure that the public feel they can safely shop and enjoy the café culture there.

“However the council have only limited powers to deal with some aspects of anti-social behaviour, which is why it is so important that we continue to work closely with partners such as the police to tackle this issue, and that they continue to do what they can.”

The council says it has stepped up its efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour over the past six months.

A spokesman said the council’s wardens have been enforcing the council’s borough-wide Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO), prioritising the town centre and working with police.

In that time, according to the council, they have issued 42 community protection written warnings and 22 full community protection notices, with 19 of these being specifically for drinking related offences.

The council said it also waiting on a number of court proceedings, delayed due to the impact of Covid-19, including applications for Criminal Behaviour Orders.

Hastings Business Improvement District manager John Bownas said: “Businesses in the town centre are being effectively blighted by this small group of anti-social individuals. Whilst everyone has a right to use public spaces, the sort of behaviour we see almost daily from these drinkers isn’t something that shoppers ought to have to tolerate.

“It’s sad that this latest step has become necessary, as on the rare occasions when the drinkers are not around these benches get used by other members of the public. We hope that the authorities and support agencies can help the worst offenders change their ways so that the benches can be put back in the foreseeable future.”