£75 fines for urinating in Shrewsbury town centre
People caught urinating, defecating, refusing to stop drinking alcohol, or leaving their belongings in Shrewsbury town centre can now be fined up to £75.
Shropshire Council's cabinet has agreed to introduce the county's first public spaces protection order (PSPO) in Shrewsbury.
The policy will see fixed penalties handed out for the offences, which are reduced to £50 if paid within a certain time limit.
Civil liberties organisation Liberty had raised concerns about the plan, warning that it would target the homeless.
However,council leader Peter Nutting said the plans have the backing of the town's police.
He said: "Police are extremely keen we do this as they say it will help them on day to day work they do in the town centre."
The policy will be reviewed by council in the next few months to see if it has been working.
Councillor Robert Macey, cabinet member for planning and regulation said: "This is not meant to solve all the issues there are, there are a number of pieces of legislation that cover the issues."
Liberty wrote to the council expressing its opposition to the plans, which were backed by those who responded to a consultation.
The group's letter stated: "In our view, it is clear that the council intends to target rough sleepers with the PSPO. We are particularly concerned by this measure because people who are sleeping rough and leaving bedding or other possessions in public places are likely to be doing so as a result of poverty, addiction and/or other mental health issues. They are highly unlikely to be able to pay a fixed penalty notice or a magistrates' court fine."
