ANTI-social behaviour in Salisbury is "worse than ever", despite the recently announced public spaces protection order. 

That's according to Rachel Davis, who has lived in Salisbury her whole life. 

A public spaces protection order was put in place in May 2024, for Salisbury city centre and the neighbouring areas of Laverstock & Ford, Quidhampton, Netherhampton, Wilton, Alderbury, Odstock and Coombe Bissett.

It was ordered to tackle anti-social behaviour – particularly relating to on-street drinking.

READ MORE: Wiltshire Libraries see changes in reading habits

Rachel Davis, 47, says that anti-social behaviour is “worse than ever”.

The area she describes as the worst for this kind of behaviour is Market Walk – outside Salisbury Library.

She said: “We’ve started avoiding that area because it’s that bad with drinking and fighting – it’s a no-go area.

“We are trying to get the city back from Novichok, but nobody wants to go to the library – people just have no respect, I think. It’s just sad.”

Wiltshire Council is yet to put up signage which is required for police to enforce the order but is "thanking the community for their patience".

Rachel added: “What’s the point of the order if the police can’t enforce it? What a waste of money.”

Rachel says the area outside the library has problems with anti social behaviourRachel said the area outside the library has problems with anti social behaviour

Cabinet member for environment, councillor Dominic Muns said: “Wiltshire Council has recently introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Salisbury, intended to deal with any nuisance or anti-social behaviour within the defined area, making 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, which could cause harm or damage.

“A police officer can also require anyone causing anti-social behaviour in a public place to stop drinking alcohol and require them to surrender anything believed to be an alcohol container.

 “We are currently working to produce the signage and materials required for Wiltshire Police to begin enforcing the PSPO. We thank the community for their patience as the final preparations are made and ask residents to familiarise themselves with the order at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/community-safety-pspo-salisbury before it takes effect in the coming weeks.  

“Please continue to report anti-social behaviour by contacting Wiltshire Police on 101.”

Salisbury hub commander at Wiltshire Police Supt Doug Downing said: “We continue to engage with Wiltshire Council to manage ASB and share information. We will continue to provide a visible presence in the city and have a number of high profile operations occurring throughout the summer which will further enhance our visibility.”