SKATEBOARDING is to be banned in car parks and pedestrianised areas, dogs must be kept on leads and a pavement poet will be de-criminalised under new proposals to make the town more enticing.

It is part of the planned new changes to the council’s Public Spaces Protection Order, introduced last year to curb anti-social behaviour.

Those caught without their dog on a lead in the town centre, Regent Circus, Swindon Railway Station and the area around Spring Gardens could face a fine of £100 or £1,000 if it goes to court.

The same applies to those skateboarding in car parks and pedestrianised areas, in addition to the town centre itself.

Other things being looked into include amendments allowing authorised events in the town centre to be exempt from the alcohol restriction and allowing marking surfaces/chalking and ‘aggressive’ charity collecting, as shoppers and businesses have reported there is no longer an issue with these activities.

However, before the changes go ahead the council is asking members of the public to fill out a survey.

Coun Oliver Donachie said: “The restrictions in the PSPO are there to clamp down on certain behaviours which are having a detrimental effect on people who are visiting the town centre.

“We have monitored the original restrictions in the order and obtained feedback on what we need to change, which is why we are carrying out this consultation.

“So I would encourage people to let us know what they think about the proposed alterations to the PSPO.”

Since the PSPO was introduced in the town centre, officers from the council, Wiltshire Police and inSwindon have spoken to, and offered advice to, more than 2,000 individuals who were contravening the order.

As every person approached stopped their activity following the advice, no fines have been issued.

The consultation will run until noon on December 8. Members of the public can visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SwindonPSPO.