Issue - meetings

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

RESOLVED –

1.    That an order to restrict fishing on the south and western side of Sherwood Lake to daytime only (7am to 7pm) and an alcohol restriction around the entire lake (Measure 4) be approved.

2.    That a late-night curfew requiring people to leave St John’s Park between the hours of 11pm and 5am (Measure 5) be approved. 

3.    That an order to implement a no loitering, gathering or partaking in unauthorised non-parking related activities requirement in the multi-storey car parks, with an express understanding that rough sleeping does not fall into any of the categories on any order imposed (Measure 6) be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION: Implementation of measures to protect and provide provision for enforcement would help alleviate and better address and control anti-social or unwelcome behaviour. 

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

Discussion and questions from Members included the following:

-       It was confirmed that the PSPO for the car parks would not preclude the Council from using the space for other activities e.g. farmers market, band practice etc.

-       The measures introduced by the Council and the collaborative working with the police were to be congratulated.

-       The issue at Sherwood Lake was something that was of particular concern to the residents so the measures being introduced were very welcome.

RESOLVED –

1.    That an order to restrict fishing on the south and western side of Sherwood Lake to daytime only (7am to 7pm) and an alcohol restriction around the entire lake (Measure 4) be approved.

2.    That a late-night curfew requiring people to leave St John’s Park between the hours of 11pm and 5am (Measure 5) be approved. 

3.    That an order to implement a no loitering, gathering or partaking in unauthorised non-parking related activities requirement in the multi-storey car parks, with an express understanding that rough sleeping does not fall into any of the categories on any order imposed (Measure 6) be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION: Implementation of measures to protect and provide provision for enforcement would help alleviate and better address and control anti-social or unwelcome behaviour. 

Terry Hughes, Community Safety Officer presented his report as per the agenda.

Discussion and questions from Members included the following:

              i.        It was advised that a question would be put to the parking manager about whether a licence could be obtained to allow for various activities in the car park during quiet periods such as skateboarding, and what was Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) liability, given that they had taken on some risk.

             ii.        It was advised that the order would be written to allow non risk activities such as band practice or farmers market to go ahead without falling foul of the PSPO.

            iii.        The CSU along with Highweald Partnership ensured that the signage used in specific areas such as Sherwood Lakes was conducive to the area, not off putting and very clear.

           iv.        Plans to have direct discussions with the local fishermen in those areas were in place to ensure they knew where not to fish, with other options highlighted.

             v.        It was mentioned that the co-operation between the CSU and the Police was good and had improved.

           vi.        It was advised that a plan was needed to determine how to evidence any discretion and some of the various options available were highlighted.

RESOLVED:

1.    That in addition to the request for an order would be written to allow non risk activities such as band practice or farmers market to go ahead without falling foul of the PSPO, the recommendations to Cabinet as set out in the report be supported.