Issue - meetings

To seek endorsement of a new Public Space Protection Order.

The Scrutiny Commission gave consideration to this at its meeting on 19 December. An extract from the minutes of that meeting is attached.

Consideration was given to a report which sought endorsement for the new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the borough of Hinckley & Bosworth. The difficulty with some parish councils having the financial or staff resources to enforce the Order was discussed and it was explained that parishes could opt into those they wished to sign up to.

Concern was expressed by a member that his parish council was not part of the Order. Officers agreed to look into whether they could be added at this late stage but explained that the tight timescales and requirement to consult would make it difficult.

It was moved by Councillor Crooks, seconded by Councillor Cartwright and

RESOLVED –

(i)            the Public Space Protection Order be approved and the three parts be noted:

a.    Ban the use across the whole borough of consuming intoxicating substances or new psychoactive substances (legal highs) on public land. A person will commit an offence if they fail to surrender any alcohol when ordered to do so by an authorised officer on public land;

b.    Dog control issues on public land including a requirement to remove and correctly dispose of dog faeces, failing to put a dog on a lead when instructed to do so by an authorised officer, and the banning of dogs / requirement to have dogs on leads in specific locations detailed in the report;

c.    Green space issues relating to specific sites including the banning of fires and barbecues, restricting the use of remote controlled vehicles, aircraft and motorcycling, and failing to leave a park at closing time when requested to do so, as detailed in the report.

(ii)          Authority be delegated to the Head of Street Scene Services to implement the Order.

To seek endorsement for three new Public Space Protection Orders for Hinckley & Bosworth.

Consideration was given to a report which sought endorsement for a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Hinckley & Bosworth which would ban the use of intoxicating substances or psychoactive substances on public land across the borough, impose dog control on public land and ban fires and barbecues, remote controlled vehicles, aircraft and motorcycles on some sites. It was noted that parish councils had been invited to add controls under the borough’s PSPO and nine agreed to do so.

It was noted that officers could issue fixed penalty notices and that the police and the Anti Social Behaviour team would deal with drug issues. Whilst it was noted that parish councils could be authorised to enforce PSPOs, members felt it was more difficult for them as they lived within that same community.

It was noted that each site had to be publicised and would need signage.

Officers were thanked for their hard work.

RESOLVED – the proposed order be endorsed and RECOMMENDED to Council.