Bridgwater could be included in a new government pilot scheme aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour after a request from the town's MP.

The government has said it plans to introduce a modernised version of the antisocial behaviour order (ASBO), introduced first under the last Labour government but scrapped by the Conservatives in 2014.

The new “respect orders” are designed to crack down on repeat offenders with those who fail to comply facing unlimited fines and up to two years in prison.

Bridgwater MP, Sir Ashley Fox, has formally requested that the town be included in the pilot of the new orders which are expected to be introduced as part of the forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill.

“There is a particular problem in Fore Street, in my constituency, where those who abuse drugs and alcohol gather and make a nuisance of themselves," Fox said.

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Fox made his request in the House of Commons Wednesday November 27 during a series of questions to Diana R. Johnson MP, the policing, fire and crime prevention minister. He said he welcomed the minister's commitment to antisocial behaviour prevention measures.

“Will she please consider adding Bridgwater to her list of possible candidates for the pilot scheme?” Fox added.

“I must say that I am very pleased to hear a Conservative member of parliament asking to be added to our list of pilot areas for the respect orders," Johnson responded. "I will certainly do that.”

Previous funding for Bridgwater

The Cornhill and Fore Street areas in Bridgwater town centre previously received government funding to tackle antisocial behaviour as part of the £23.6m Bridgwater town deal, with town wardens being deployed to assist visitors and discourage repeat offenders.

The new orders are designed to give the police and local authorities stronger powers to tackle a wide range of antisocial behaviour, including public drunkenness or driving illegal e-scooters on pavements.

The Home Office has indicated that those slapped with an order may be required to attend drug or alcohol treatment services or anger management courses to “address the underlying causes of their behaviour."

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper MP said: “Too many town centres and neighbourhoods across our country are being plagued by anti-social behaviour, be it street drinking, harassment or vandalism on the high street, or noisy and intimidating off-road bikes terrorising our estates.

“Respect orders will give police and councils the powers they need to crack down on repeated anti-social behaviour, keeping our communities safe and ensuring repeat offenders face the consequences of their actions."

The government has not confirmed how soon the Crime and Policing Bill will come before the House of Commons for its first reading.