Issue - meetings

Seeking approval to establish a Public Space Protection Order to prevent antisocial activities in public places.

A report which recommended establishment of a Public Space Protection Order was considered by Council. The comments made by the Scrutiny Commission were acknowledged and the amended recommendation in the supplementary agenda was highlighted. It was suggested that, if signs were to be erected in relation to the Order, they contain a contact number so any breaches could be reported. It was moved by Councillor Nickerson, seconded by Councillor Hall and

RESOLVED –

(i)            The creation of a borough wide Public Space Protection Order, incorporating the controls outlined within the report, be approved;

(ii)           The delegation of authority to the Chief Officer (Environmental Health), the Chief Officer (Housing, Community Safety & Partnerships), the Executive member for Neighbourhood Services and the Executive member for Housing & Community Safety to implement this order, to make minor amendments should they be necessary following any response from the Police and Crime Commissioner, and to authorise suitably qualified officers for enforcement, be approved.

To consider and endorse the establishment of a Public Space Protection Order.

The Scrutiny Commission gave consideration to a report which recommended the establishment of a Public Space Protection Order to prevent antisocial activities in public places. The Order would cover use of intoxicating substances on public land, use of fires and barbecues on public land, keeping of dogs on leads in certain areas or if requested, restrictions on dogs in certain places (ie play areas) and fouling of land by dogs.

Councillor Williams entered the meeting at 6.42pm.

It was acknowledged that some aspects of the Order would be borough-wide and others would cover HBBC land only. With regard to parish councils, members were informed that once this Order had been approved, officers would visit each parish council to discuss implementation of Orders on parish land, on which they would then need to consult.

In response to members’ questions, the following points were noted:

·         Consultation had taken place face-to-face in parks and cemeteries, via the citizens panel, parish clerks, the Parishes Forum, with Hinckley BID, police and the Kennel Club

·         Signage would be used in areas to which the Order applied

·         The Order would be in place for three years, with an option to review for a further three, which would give the opportunity to review the need for continuation

·         Suitable persons could be assessed and authorised to issue fixed penalty notices for breaches of the Order

·         Safety of staff would be paramount and staff would not be expected to put themselves into dangerous situations and would be able to seek support from the Police

·         A guidance note for parishes could be produced.

RESOLVED –

(i)            The creation of a borough-wide Public Space Protection Order be endorsed;

(ii)           The delegation of authority to the Chief Officer (Environmental Health), the Chief Officer (Housing, Community Safety & Partnerships), the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services and the Executive Member for Housing & Community Safety to implement the Order and to authorise suitably qualified officers for enforcement be supported;

(iii)          A guide be produced for parishes on implementation of the Order.