DRUG-RELATED crime in Barnsley town centre has been pushed out to the outskirts due to an order which bans offenders from entering the zone, according to a police report.

A collaboration between police officers and Barnsley Council via the town centre’s public space protection order (PSPO) has significantly reduced incidents at identified hotspots such as Market Hill, Cheapside and Eldon Street.

South Yorkshire Police - cited as a ‘key partner’ of the council’s in the enforcement of the PSPO which has been hailed as a success - focus on current aspects of the long-standing order, which covers Peel Street, Midland Street, Peel Square, Wellington Street, Eldon Street, Race Street, Peel Parade, Sackville Street, Market Hill and County Way.

However, residents in neighbouring wards such as Kingstone and Worsbrough have complained to the police about drug dealing taking place in their respective areas, blaming the PSPO for pushing the problem elsewhere.

That has been corroborated by the Barnsley Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, who confirmed more patrols will be put on to tackle the goings-on in the outskirts.

A report said: “Antisocial behaviour and drug crime has been pushed out of the town centre.

“This has involved a series of nominals causing many inhabitants of the town centre’s surrounding areas alarm and distress.

“Residents said that often the areas around the town centre get overlooked.

“In conjunction with the council’s street wardens, officers conduct regular, joint patrols within the town centre and around known hotspot areas, engaging with individuals providing advice and support and signposting them to support agencies.”