Latest news with #CrimeandPolicingAct2014
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Brits could be slapped with £100 fine for 'foul language' in these four towns
A council in the southeast has ruled to implement an order that could see fines handed out for 'foul' language in four popular seaside towns - in a bid to help residents feel safe Brits could face fines for up to £100 for using abusive language in four seaside towns in an attempt to crack down on anti-social behaviour. This week, plans have been approved for Thanet District Council in Kent to enforce a new public space protection order (PSPO) in Birchington, Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs. Under the new rules, it will be an offence to refuse to stop using certain language if asked to do so by an officer. The language that is set to be restricted by the order is described as "foul or abusive language [used] in a manner likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress to a person within hearing or sight, judged by the standards of a 'reasonable person'." The council originally tried to introduce the order in July of last year, but the plans never went ahead after it faced the threat of a legal challenge from The Free Speech Union, a campaign group. A spokesperson said: "The Proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was approved at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday 24 July 2025. The PSPO was put forward with the aim of reducing antisocial behaviour in Thanet's main towns, and is similar to previous PSPOs in place between 2018 and 2024. "They mirror the same restrictions in place across many other districts and boroughs, including in other parts of Kent in line with powers under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.' They said that there was 'strong support' for the proposals in response to the public consultation. The order will also restrict gathering in anti-social groups, misusing public places, excreting bodily fluids, consuming alcohol, consuming legal psychoactive substances, and causing humiliation or degradation. In Birchington, Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs, there will be signs put up explaining the rules of the order. If someone is found to be breaking the rules, they will be spoken to by enforcement officers - but if the behaviour continues, they could be slapped with a fine of up to £100. At a cabinet meeting on Thursday, councillors said that claims from the media that the order would be a blanket ban on swearing were 'a mountain of nonsense'. Heather Keen, the Labour councillor, said these claims were "disingenuous, inaccurate and designed to grab attention". She confirmed that the order did not apply to 'casual swearing', the BBC reported. Commenting on the order's approval, Keen said: "We've listened and these measures are designed to reassure residents and set clear expectations around acceptable public behaviour in Thanet.' She explained that the order will provide authorities with 'the tools to intervene earlier which we hope will successfully prevent situations from escalating'. Keen added: "The overwhelming support from local people, businesses and the police during the consultation process is evidence that these measures are welcomed. Every year our residents tell us feeling safe is a top priority.'
Western Telegraph
7 days ago
- General
- Western Telegraph
When Japanese Knotweed flowers in the UK and how to remove
Japanese Knotweed is one of many that can lead to your home losing value due to the damage caused. It is an aggressive plant that grows quickly, with its roots burrowing deep underground, which can sometimes be up to 3 metres down. With this, it's important to know about Japanese Knotweed, including what it looks like, when it flowers in the UK and how to report and remove it. What does Japanese Knotweed look like and when does it flower in the UK? The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) describes Japanese Knotweed as "a persistent, clump-forming herbaceous perennial". It grows "rapidly in summer and is most prominent from August to September", says Saga's home insurance and property expert Anna Thunstrom. She explained: "Keep an eye out for its characteristic shield or shovel-shaped leaves, along with clusters of creamy white flowers that bloom during late summer". However, the RHS warns that while Japanese knotweed stems die back in winter, in sheltered locations, dead stems may remain upright through the winter. What to do if I find Japanese Knotweed? While it is not an offence to have Japanese knotweed growing in your garden, it is an offence to plant or cause to grow in the wild and you should take steps to prevent it spreading. Did you know Japanese knotweed thrives by water? Removing #knotweed from places such as this requires min 2-man team and an Aqua-herb license. Hopefully our teams out on contracts up and down the country today have coped with this summer heatwave. — Japanese Knotweed Ltd (@knotweedLTD) July 11, 2025 It can also cause damage to your property, as the expert Ms Thunstrom explains: 'Japanese knotweed is particularly notorious for causing structural damage to buildings, potentially impacting the property's value. "As a result, sellers are obliged to disclose its presence." She also warns to act quick, as it could "anywhere between £1,000 to £12,000 to have Japanese Knotweed removed, depending on the garden size and severity of the infestation". Japanese Knotweed UK Law As the RHS explains: "Japanese knotweed is listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Section 14, making it an offence to plant or cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild. "The penalties for offences under Section 14 include fines and imprisonment." While it is not illegal to have Japanese Knotweed in your garden, it is important to control it to prevent it from becoming a problem in your neighbourhood. As explained by the RHS as part of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, if Japanese Knotweed has a "detrimental effect of a persistent or continuing nature on the quality of life of those in the locality", property owners may be prosecuted. If problems with the plant happen in a neighbouring garden, you should be in touch with your neighbour about it before contacting your local council. How to remove Japanese Knotweed It is advised to get professionals to come and remove Japanese Knotweed. Thomson Environmental Consultants are experts in invasive species management and have experience in controlling and managing Japanese Knotweed. Craig Godbehere, a site supervisor and certified surveyor in Japanese Knotweed at Thomson, explained various control measures that can be used to manage the Japanese Knotweed on a site. These are: In-situ treatment using approved herbicides Controlled contaminated soils from the site to an approved facility using an approved waste carrier Burial at either 5m with a cap or 2m completely encapsulated Stockpiling of the contaminated soils Soil screening/sieving with potential re-use on-site 'Installation of Root Barriers' where all contamination can't be removed Mr Godbehere added: "Strict biosecurity measures should be enforced to prevent the accidental spread of the Japanese Knotweed. "All plants, vehicles, equipment, and clothing must be thoroughly cleaned before leaving contaminated areas. "Cleaning should take place in the location (or immediate vicinity) where the soil or living material originated before equipment and personnel leave the buffer zone." Recommended reading: He also explained how herbicide treatment is regularly used, as this is usually the most cost-effective option. However, he warned that herbicide treatment shouldn't be used in isolation where there is likely to be future soil disturbance around the infested area. "If this option is used, achieving the desired results may take many years," he said.
Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Police make move that will force wife of crime boss 'Hotdog' to 'live in tent'
Following a court order issued last week, officers moved in to close an illegal scrapyard in Great Harwood, Lancashire, where Tommy 'Hotdog' Smith's wife Mary lives Police have finally moved in to shut an illegal scrapyard site that has been subject to complaints of anti-social behaviour, fires and criminal activity for many years. Officers today attended the address in Meadow Street, Great Harwood, Lancashire, after Judge Guy Mathieson granted a full closure order, shutting down the site for three months and forcing the residents off the land. The judge rejected an appeal from Mary Smith, the wife of Tommy "Hotdog" Smith, who is currently in jail. The 48-year-old had argued that the closure would force her and her children to live in a tent. She claimed she has not had any sort of business since her husband was jailed and has had to sign on for benefits. But as reported by Lancs Live, police moved in to secure the site today, with a spokesman saying: "Our officers are at an address in Meadow Street, Great Harwood, to assist partners in facilitating a closure order issued under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. We will issue a further update in due course." Previous enforcement orders at the site have failed to stop the unlawful activity including illegal waste collection and fires. On Friday, the court order confirmed that anyone who enters the site for three months starting from July 4 risks arrest, imprisonment and or a fine. The order said: "The owner/occupier will therefore have to find alternative accommodation." The order allows more than 100 officials from the police, council, RSPCA and Environment Agency to move in for a large scale operation to secure the site and prevent occupants from accessing it. Mrs Smith argued, without providing evidence, that the order would make her homeless, but the judge decided to go ahead with it. Judge Mathieson said: "This closure order has been hanging over you for six months or more. In the event we make a full closure order, what thought processes and what plans have you put in place?" Mrs Smith replied: "Me and my daughter Indiana have bought a tent, a two-man tent. That is all." The judge asked: "You have a £1.4 million turnover and you are going to live in a tent?" She replied: "I don't know what you are talking about. I don't own any business. Sir, I think you have got it wrong. My husband has been in jail for the past seven years, I haven't had any business for at least six years. At the moment sir, I have had to sign on benefits." However, she did not provide any paperwork to the court to support her claim. Her husband was originally imprisoned for five years for possession of an illegal sawn-off shotgun in November 2018. In August 2019 he was jailed again for a further six and a half years for his role in a £1million stolen goods operation. His wife was jailed for 15 months and five other members of what was described as "an organised crime gang" were also sentenced at Preston Crown Court. The convictions followed a long and complex series of police investigations named Hewton, Runback and Redmill, carried out between 2016 and 2018. In April 2020 Mrs Smith was declared bankrupt following a petition from Hyndburn Council.
Western Telegraph
11-05-2025
- Western Telegraph
Pembrokeshire vape shops closed due to 'criminal behaviour'
Earlier this spring specialist regional trading standards officers, Pembrokeshire County Council's trading standards team and Dyfed-Powys Police targeted the two shops in Haverfordwest and Milford Haven. They uncovered illegal tobacco, vapes and cash from two cars, used for concealing supplies to top up stock available in the stores, a large quantity of cash suspected to be from criminal activity was seized and one vehicle impounded by the police, for having no tax or insurance It is believed that many of the cigarettes seized would have ended up in the hands of children and young people in Pembrokeshire's poorest communities, which are targeted by criminals selling illegal tobacco at a significantly reduced cost. (Image: Google Street View/Pembrokeshire County Council) Illegal vapes are also of concern, as they may contain a much higher amount of nicotine than permitted by UK regulations. Among the other toxic ingredients found in counterfeit vapes are arsenic, lead and formaldehyde. Counterfeit cigarettes may also be contaminated with toxic elements such as arsenic and lead The two shops; Vape Zone in High Street, Haverfordwest and K R Vape Shop in Charles Street, Milford Haven, were closed by Pembrokeshire County Council on April 16. The owners of both shops appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on May 1 to hear the council's application for a three-month closure order under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. (Image: Google Street View) An earlier hearing, scheduled to take place on April 17, was adjourned at the request of the business' solicitor. The court heard how, in the council's opinion, the application for a closure order against each premises was necessary due to the nuisance to members of the public arising from the criminal behaviour. Magistrates also heard that closure was deemed necessary to prevent such nuisance or disorder from continuing or recurring. 'After retiring to consider the case presented on behalf of the council and representations made by the business's solicitor, the court returned to confirm that both orders would be granted, satisfied that the council's case had been made out,' said a spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council. (Image: Pembrokeshire County Council) Both vape shops must remain closed for three months. After this the council can apply for a further period of three months if warranted. Both premises have been secured and during the next three months it would be a criminal offence for any person to enter either vape shop, without being granted written permission by the council. 'Investigations are ongoing and criminal proceedings may follow,' said the council spokesperson. After the raids earlier this year Sergeant Claire Evans of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: 'We will continue to target such establishments who are selling illegal contraband in Pembrokeshire, seizing cash, vehicles, and any other property linked to the running of these illegal operations.' If you think that someone is selling illegal tobacco, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit
Pembrokeshire Herald
07-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Probation breach lands Milford Haven man with unpaid work order
Milford Haven and Haverfordwest stores closed for three months under emergency council powers TWO vape shops in Pembrokeshire have been forced to close for three months after enforcement officers seized illegal tobacco products and cash during a council-led operation. KR Vapes in Milford Haven and Vape Zone in Haverfordwest—both operated by the same owner—were the subject of closure orders granted at Haverfordwest Magistrates' Court on Thursday (May 1). The orders were made under Section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Although the legislation is often associated with nuisance behaviour, in this case it was used by Pembrokeshire County Council to prevent further illegal sales of tobacco and related goods. A council-led investigation led to the seizure of a large quantity of cigarettes at KR Vapes on Charles Street, Milford Haven. A local witness told The Herald they saw officers leaving the premises with 'large clear evidence bags full of cigarette packets.' It is understood the products seized were either counterfeit or unlawfully imported foreign brands, not legally available for sale in the UK. The owner of both shops, who spoke to The Herald on condition of anonymity, claimed that approximately £3,000 in cash was also seized during the raid on the Milford Haven store. No criminal charges have been brought at this stage. The court heard only that notices had been served on both shops on April 16, and that the council was taking action to stop further unlawful trading while investigations continue. The owner had previously told this newspaper that he hoped to re-open in 30 days, but those hopes have now been dashed. The closure orders apply to the entirety of both premises. Entry is prohibited to all persons at all times unless specifically authorised in writing by Pembrokeshire County Council.
