Decision details

To consider Public Space Protection Orders and the renewal of the Town Centre Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).

The Cabinet Member with the Stronger Communities Portfolio introduced the report (previously circulated) of the Executive Director of Environment, Highways and Community Services requesting that consideration be given to consulting on the renewal of a revised Town Centre Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) and to consult on a Borough wide PSPO.

The submitted report stated that PSPO’s allowed local areas to try and counter unreasonable and persistent behaviour that affected the quality of life of its residents and businesses; issuing Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) would only generally be considered when other means of addressing behaviour had not been successful; the town centre PSPO had been in place since 2019 and was last renewed in 2022; the order lasted for three years; and that a review must be undertaken if it was to be renewed.

It was reported that the order had been reviewed and it was proposed to consult on its renewal as it was considered necessary to retain the powers in the PSPO to assist in managing antisocial behaviour, when it occurred.  As part of the renewal process it was proposed that the defined area that the PSPO covered and some of the wording of the existing powers, be amended, to improve the effectiveness of the order; to consult on some new powers that could be included in the order relating to feeding of wild birds in the town centre and the anti-social use of bicycles, scooters, skates and skateboards; and to consult on the introduction of a new Borough wide PSPO and on additional powers across the Borough.

Reference was made at the meeting to the possibility of introducing measures on cycling / skating within the town centre, at different times of the day, and including electric bikes, within the order.

RESOLVED – That consultation be approved on:-

(a)  the renewal of a revised Town Centre Public Space Protection Order, as outlined in the submitted report; and

(b)  the introduction of a Borough wide Public Space Protection Order, as outlined in the submitted report.

REASONS – (a) To provide powers to officers, including Police, PCSOs and Civic Enforcement Officers, to manage various types of anti-social behaviour.

(b)  To improve the quality of life of persons visiting and working in the area covered by the PSPO.