Councillor Simran Cheema has called on Walsall Council to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) covering Willenhall town centre and the memorial park, citing escalating antisocial behaviour that is driving away families and businesses.
Topless Drinkers and Gangs Deterring Visitors
Cheema, a Labour councillor, described scenes of 'topless drinkers' and 'gangs' congregating in the area, making it a no-go zone for families. She said: “We need to try and encourage people to come into the town centre. Recently we’ve seen the markets struggle, businesses close down, we’re losing footfall, this isn’t a good look for the town.”
“There’s loud behaviour, drinking, littering, topless people that you don’t want to see. It’s about having respect and showing respect,” she added. “You’re more than welcome to sit down and have a drink but to carry on for the whole day and get drunk and do anti-social behaviour, we have children passing by. I think that’s really disturbing.”
Memorial Park a 'No-Go Zone' for Families
Cheema highlighted issues at the memorial park, where motorbikes and gangs have made it unsafe for families. “In the memorial park there’s motorbikes and a few gangs that like to congregate. There’s not really a safe space for families to spend time with their children,” she said.
She urged the council to act swiftly: “The council needs to pay some attention to the issues that are happening in Willenhall and put the right measures in place for enforcement. Now is the time to act before things get out of control and before someone gets hurt.”
Businesses Considering Closure
The councillor noted that problems have worsened over the last few months, with some businesses in the centre considering closure. “We’ve just got a new train station which should bring in so much opportunity but I just think there’s a lack of focus from officers at this council and that’s my main frustration,” she said.
Cheema expressed hope that the new administration would listen to residents: “I really hope the new administration listens to what residents and elected members tell them and focuses on districts that have been forgotten about in the past by previous administrations. Willenhall is a great town. There’s so much potential, there’s just certain things that could be improved. This is why we want a PSPO in the town and park.”
Council Response
A Walsall Council spokesperson said: “The council’s community protection teams are aware of current issues in Willenhall and are carrying out targeted patrols and gathering evidence. The council will continue to work in partnership with the police and other organisations to deal with these issues.”
