Issue - meetings

To consider and decide on the recommendations as set out in the associated report.

RESOLVED – That the proposed Public Spaces Protection Orders as set out in the report and in the appendices to the report be approved for consultation or discharged.

REASON FOR DECISION:

To help ensure the protection of public spaces from persistent anti-social behaviour.

Terry Hughes, Community Safety Manager introduced the report as set out in the agenda.

Discission and questions from Members included the following:

-       The primary objective of encouraging good and respectable behaviour of people in public spaces rather than enforcement was welcomed. 

-       Ensuring a good level of consultation with members of the public that provided an explanation of the balance between compliance and enforcement was also welcomed.

-       The residents and Ward Councillors of Sherwood would welcome the proposed  plans for the area as there had been a lot of complaints related to noise and the misuse of alcohol. 

-       There would be no issues to extend restrictions in the Town Centre should this be required.  A consultation exercise would be required for a new PSPO but this could be taken forward as and when necessary.

-       The proportionality of the report should be applauded with the Council discharging orders as and when they were no longer required. 

RESOLVED – That the proposed Public Spaces Protection Orders as set out in the report and in the appendices to the report be approved for consultation or discharged.

REASON FOR DECISION:

To help ensure the protection of public spaces from persistent anti-social behaviour.

To consider and provide a recommendation to Cabinet on the proposals set out in the attached report.

Terry Hughes, Community Safety Manager, introduced his report which outlined the Public Spaces Protection Orders Consultation 2021.  He provided an outline of the proposals for members which included the following comments:

·         Outcomes that have been in place since 2018 include the following:

o   Alcohol control areas – allows officers to intervene.  It is recommended to renew this. This is not in operation in Southborough – this was identified around 2000 as needing intervention so it is recommended to add this.

o   Dog control – prohibition in play areas.  Officers visited after this was introduced.  Penalties have been increased from £50 to £100 with support.  Sports grounds – St Marks and Nevill. Dogs on leads requirement.  Street Scene Officers have enforced this and issued some penalty notices.  It is recommended to introduce an outright ban at Nevill, at St Marks they are happy with dogs on leads.

o   New psychoactive substances – Stakeholder conversations have coincided with new legislation and amendments and a number of shops have been closed in Tunbridge Wells and across the county.  Police officers prefer established legislation to seize substances it Is recommended to discharge this prohibition.

o   Amplified music in Tunbridge Wells Town Centre – no breaches but order has helped manage busking in collaboration with businesses and local residents.

o   Rough sleeping and begging – no penalty notices issued but has given an opportunity to engage with rough sleepers and challenge certain behaviours.   It is believed that the greater support has decreased incidences of this on the whole.  A certain rough sleeper was particularly challenging but has been managed.  There is a potential for an increase in rough sleeping and begging post covid especially with empty retail units on the high street and this prohibition gives us the opportunity to support individuals, so it is recommended to renew these measures for a further three years.

·         Proposals include:

o   Alcohol control and other restrictions - Sherwood Lake and it’s proximity to residential properties in Warren Walk and Lakeside.  There is frequent reporting of antisocial behaviour including shouting and loud swearing, smoking cannabis, drinking alcohol, urinating near properties and frequent alarms going off both day and night.  Other issues include off road motorcycles, with varying frequency and the harassment and killing of wildlife.  A visit was carried out by the Community Safety Officer and Kent Police’s Crime Reduction Officer who carried out an environmental visual audit and developed an action plan which includes PSCO visits as often as they are able.  There has been strong representation from local councils on this issue.  There is an increase in anti-social behaviour at certain times.  Enforcement is an issue and expectations will be high.

o   Dog Control - Dogs on Leads (requests from the Parks Team at Dunorlan Park). Complaints include dogs knocking people over, jumping in the lake and chasing wildlife and a recent dog bite caused by an unleashed dog.  Bylaws are ancient and unenforceable.

o   St Marks and Nevill Ground for rugby club.  Nevill have  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7