Haverfordwest anti-social behaviour order faces potential scrap

A Pembrokeshire County Council scrutiny committee has recommended scrapping the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Haverfordwest town centre. The order, implemented in 2022 to curb anti-social behaviour and restrict public drinking, has reportedly failed to result in any prosecutions.

Officers described the current order as not ‘fit for purpose in its current form’ and stated there is insufficient evidence to justify its continuation as necessary or proportionate. While Dyfed-Powys Police previously moved toward prosecution rather than fixed penalty notices for breaches, no successful prosecutions have been brought under the scheme.

Despite the recommendation to end the order, anti-social behaviour remains a concern in the region. Data from the past year shows 656 incidents across Pembrokeshire, with 162 occurring in Haverfordwest. Of those, approximately 47% involved groups, 44% involved young people, and 14% involved alcohol. The final decision on whether to scrap the scheme rests with the full council.