Catapults and street drinking become illegal in Salisbury

A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) has been implemented in Salisbury and surrounding parishes following a spate of vandalism.

This culminated with thugs shooting and killing three-year-old cat Boots who was found dead with pellets next to his body in Bemerton Heath on Wednesday, May 8.

Read more: ​Bemerton Heath: Parents of vandal children should be held accountable

Two consultations on the proposed order took place between September to October 2023 and February 2024 and saw overwhelming support with more than 200 people pushing for its implementation.

The PSPO is designed to address two issues in Salisbury and covers the city centre, plus the surrounding parishes of Laverstock & Ford, Quidhampton, Netherhampton, Wilton, Alderbury, Odstock and Coombe Bissett.

Across the entire area, the order makes it an offence to possess any catapult, slingshot or similar items capable of launching a missile and to possess any item that could be used as a missile.

It is also an offence to refuse to surrender any such item, when required by a police officer.

Boots the cat was killed in Bemerton Heath. (Image: Contributed)

The police also now have powers to seize alcohol from anyone causing anti-social behaviour in the city centre.

If the drinker refuses to surrender their alcohol and continues to consume it, they could be given a £100 fine on the spot.

Failure to pay the fixed penalty notice could lead to prosecution and a fine on conviction of up to £1k.

The PSPO does not prevent licensed premises with outdoor seating from serving alcohol.

See more: ​Woman hurled abuse at police after crashing into Lockerley garden

Councillor Dominic Muns, cabinet member for environment, said: “Our thanks goes to everyone who took part in the consultations on the proposed order for Salisbury.

“Putting a PSPO in place on an area is not ever done lightly, but in this instance the response was overwhelmingly in favour of it being brought in.

“We want our residents to be reassured that we take anti-social behaviour seriously, a key priority in our business plan is to safeguard our residents. Once the enforcement of the order begins, we hope that it will help to act as a deterrent and reduce the instances of anti-social behaviour that are being seen currently in the city and surrounding areas.”

Inspector Tina Osborn, from the Salisbury community policing team, said, “We have worked closely with our partners in delivering this PSPO. I would like to thank the local residents and businesses for engaging in the consultation process and pleased to see that this action was in the main supported. 

“Tackling anti-social behaviour associated with drinking alcohol in public places and the use of catapults or such items, is a key priority for the police and this PSPO will be one tool for officers to use to deal with such issues.”