A freedom of information request has revealed that Worcester City Council’s new enforcement officers have handed out zero fines since new PSPO orders were put in place in March.

The Public Space Protection Order was introduced to discourage the intentional feeding of gulls, aggressive begging, and dangerous cycling and skateboarding in the city centre.

New signs were put up in popular open spaces and enforcement action began, ‘when and where appropriate’, in May.

Cllr James Stanley, Chair of the City Council’s Communities Committee, said: “Our aim is to make sure Worcester’s city centre offers a safe and pleasant environment for everyone who visits it.

“We have consulted extensively with regard to the Public Space Protection Order.

“It is clear that there is strong local support to take tougher action to address these three issues.”

The City Council worked closely with partners including Worcester Cares rough sleeper support affiliation, West Mercia Police and the Worcester Gull Forum regarding the terms and implementation of the Order.

There is an escalating traffic light system in place for people who breach its terms. A first warning (green) and second warning (amber) will be given, with a fixed penalty notice of £100 only being given for a third offence or more.

However according to the freedom of information request not one single fine has been issued.

The request also revealed the cost of the operation. Producing the signs alone cost £5,043.09, and cost £240.12 to install.

Hiring two full time enforcement officers for 12 months came to a total of £52,000.

A spokesman for Worcester City Council said: “The PSPO was created on March 29. Once created there is a period of education where no enforcement is to be applied.

"In this instance the Police and City Council officers agreed enforcement would not start until May 10.

"However, the focus of this PSPO is to direct people to local services and information in the first and second instances and not to reach a stage where we are issuing fines."