AN ORDER to fine anyone found with a catapult or slingshot has been proposed for the Downton and Redlynch area. 

Following frequent reports of antisocial behaviour, Wiltshire Council has launched a consultation to hear if a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is the right course of action to deal with the harm and damage caused by these items. 

These villages have been subject to the impact of slingshot and catapult use in recent months, including the smashing of windows, as well as property and vehicle damage.

A consultation has been launched to help the council establish whether the proposed PSPO is "the right and proportionate action to take to help prevent antisocial behaviour in the area". 

If a PSPO is brought in, anyone found in breach of it could be issued with an on-the-spot fixed penalty notice of £100.

Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling, Wiltshire Council's cabinet member for public protection, said bringing in a PSPO "is never done lightly", but in this instance, it is a "proportionate response" to some of the activity being seen in the area, as well as from feedback already gained from residents.

He added: "PSPOs aren't going to solve all problems like this, but they are a useful tool at our disposal and hopefully reassures the public, particularly those directly affected, that we take issues such as this very seriously.

"I'd encourage people in the local area to provide their feedback via the consultation so we can gather the community's thoughts and feelings on the issue before making an informed decision."

Wiltshire Council leader Richard Clewer previously told the Journal work is underway to prohibit the use of catapults in the village.

Read more: 'People are afraid to leave their homes' - Crime is 'ongoing issue' in Downton

As part of this process Wiltshire Police conducted a consultation in the area earlier this year, to speak with Downton residents about antisocial behaviour, police activity and what more can be done.

Inspector Tina Osborn, from the Salisbury community policing team, said: "We are always keen to work with local partners to address any community issues across the Salisbury area, and we'd be very interested to learn more about the views of local residents through this consultation work.

"Tackling anti-social behaviour is a key priority for us, and a PSPO could be one tool for us to use to crack down on these sort of issues."

The newly launched consultation runs until June 15, to submit your response visit the Wiltshire Council website.

Get more Salisbury news. 

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date, as well as signing up for one of our newsletters.

If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.