Chelmsley Wood Anti-Social Behaviour Crackdown Sees Over 60 Individuals Facing Enforcement
A major crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour in Chelmsley Wood has resulted in enforcement action against more than sixty people, according to recent council revelations. The measures were implemented following a concerning surge in disruptive activities around the town's bus interchange.
PSPO Implementation and Specific Restrictions
Solihull Council decision-makers established the borough's first Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in the area last July. This decisive action was prompted by numerous reports of knives being brandished, bus vandalism, theft, physical altercations, and the dangerous operation of electric bikes.
PSPOs are designed to prevent anti-social behaviour within defined geographical areas without targeting specific individuals. The Chelmsley Wood order, which remains in effect for three years, encompasses the Chelmsley Circle-based bus interchange along with adjacent KFC and McDonald's restaurants.
The PSPO imposes several key restrictions:
- A complete prohibition on riding, cycling, or using electric bikes, e-scooters, motorbikes, or quad bikes within the designated zone
- Requirements for groups of three or more people gathered between 6pm and 6am to leave the area if suspected of causing, or likely to cause, a nuisance
- Authority for designated persons to request the removal of face coverings if the wearer is suspected of likely causing nuisance, disorder, or harassment
Failure to comply with these PSPO conditions constitutes a criminal offence carrying a maximum fine of £2,500.
Enforcement Statistics and Process
During the latest full council meeting on February 3, Chelmsley Wood councillor Shesh Sheshabatter inquired about enforcement actions taken since the PSPO's implementation. Councillor Wazma Qais, the cabinet portfolio holder for communities, provided detailed clarification.
"West Midlands Police has confirmed 66 people are currently progressing through the PSPO enforcement process," stated Coun Qais. "The procedure involves an initial educational approach, followed by formal warnings and referrals to the council for fixed penalty notices. Ultimately, prosecution may occur if individuals fail to engage and persistently breach the PSPO conditions."
Community Impact and Review Mechanisms
The crackdown was initiated after police received more than 100 calls from the area during a four-month period in 2024. Local businesses have expressed significant concerns about the deteriorating environment.
A Chelmsley Wood trader with nine years' experience in the area revealed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service that she feels too frightened to leave her shop unaccompanied at night due to gangs of masked youths congregating nearby. The shopkeeper, who previously worked at Chelmsley Wood Indoor Market before establishing her own business in the shopping centre, recalled a more peaceful past.
"When I first started working here, there was no trouble whatsoever," she explained. "Unfortunately, the situation has deteriorated considerably over recent years. This was once a genuinely lovely area."
Coun Sheshabatter further questioned the review processes for the PSPO, asking: "Can you confirm whether there has been a programme of regular follow-up reviews involving officers and yourself? How is public feedback alongside input from ward councillors being formally gathered and utilised to assess effectiveness?"
Coun Qais responded: "Should a review be conducted, I am confident that officers will ensure ward councillors receive comprehensive information. This is fundamentally important—when we introduce a PSPO, we must verify its ongoing effectiveness in addressing community concerns."
