A round-up of the latest Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in England and Wales.
A city-wide PSPO made by City of York Council covers people found urinating in public, or not controlling or picking up after their dogs. An online survey by the council found explicit support for the PSPO.
Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Safer Communities at City of York Council, said: “We want these offences to stop. They create health hazards and an unwelcome environment for people simply going about their daily business. This decision means we have a stronger deterrent, and a more timely and proportionate enforcement approach.
โPeople should use toilets in the pubs and cafรฉs theyโve visited, and control and pick up after their dogs. For those who we find not doing so, our officers will be able to take immediate action with fines which will reflect the associated risks and costs. We will continue to work with partners, including the police and York BID who, like us, can provide supporting evidence. Together, we will take an intelligence-led approach to enforcement, targeting known hot-spot areas at key times.โ
In a report to councillors, James Gilchrist, Director of Environment, described provision of public toilet facilities in the city as ‘an ongoing challenge and expensive’. Anti-social behaviour creates further difficulties in upholding cleansing and maintenance standards, he added. On the question of whether York (popular with visitors by day and night) has enough public toilets, the report stated that the council is now consulting with businesses ‘to find out if they would be willing to offer public access to their facilities’. As part of a city centre โChoose Respect, Not Regretsโ campaign, signage will be provided for venues ‘to prompt people to use the toilet before they leave’.
Plymouth
Plymouth City Council is consulting on a PSPO to cover six car parks – Napier Street, Regent Street, Mayflower East, Theatre Royal, Western Approach and Colin Campbell Court. The council cites anti-social and intimidating behaviour, such as people gathering or loitering, car meets congregating, and motorbikes racing and causing a noise disturbance, besides drug misuse and stairwells used as toilets.
St Helens
St Helens Borough Council has set a PSPO covering the town centre, including Linkway West retail park, and anti-social drinking; visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/pspo. The council’s Cabinet Member for Supporting Neighbourhoods, Councillor Trisha Long, said: “The impact of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour as a result of street drinking in St Helens Town Centre is unacceptable and, with the feedback from residents, businesses and partners, plain to see.
“Now approved by Cabinet and backed by Merseyside Police, this Public Space Protection Order will help officers to prevent anti-social behaviour and deal effectively with the issues we’re seeing. We’ll do everything we can to make sure St Helens Town Centre is a safe and welcoming experience for everyone who lives, works or visits here.”
Breckland
In Norfolk, Breckland Council has made a district-wide PSPO, in response to what the council terms persistent car meets. Tristan Ashby, Executive Member for Health and Communities at the Dereham-based council, said: “At Breckland, we strive to give our residents the opportunity to express their views on issues that affect them. The responses to our consultation helped shape the new PSPO on vehicle nuisance, and we’re proud to have worked collaboratively with the community to address this concern. Together, we can make our district a safer and more pleasant environment for everyone, and the Council remains committed to keeping the well-being and quality of life of our residents at the top of our priorities.” Also in the county, a Great Yarmouth Borough Council PSPO, replacing an alcohol-related one, outlaws public drinking of alcohol, begging, urinating in public, spitting and riding bikes or e-scooters on paths.
Basildon
In Essex, Basildon Council has appointed Safer Communities Enforcement officers to patrol town estates and centres, and to enforce compliance with the council’s PSPOs.
Banbury
Cherwell District Council has in force a PSPO covering Banbury town centre, and aggressive begging, and street drinking.
Background
Under Section 59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, councils can set a PSPO (which have to be renewed or else lapse, typically after three years) about some nuisance or crime, typically dog fouling, littering and on-street drinking. Police, council or hired ‘authorised officers’ can have the power to issue fines to those breaking an order.
Hastings
Hastings Council for example is consulting with a view to renewing its PSPO again, with some extensions to the coastal area it covers. Glenn Haffenden, lead councillor for housing and community well-being, said: โThe ASB PSPO is an important tool that can be used by the councilโs wardens service and the local police to prevent anti-social behaviour across the town. Since it was introduced in 2017, we have seen a decrease in the number of people who have been dealt with and the offences committed, so we are keen to renew the existing PSPO but we want to hear feedback from anyone who has comments or thoughts on the proposals.” Along the coast, Folkestone and Hythe District Council is similarly consulting on a renewal proposed of its PSPO.
Photo by Mark Rowe; Outside York railway station.
