Friday, 08 September 2017 12:46

Have your say on new anti-social behaviour in Poole

You are invited to have their say on new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) proposed for three areas of Poole.

PSPOs are used by councils across the UK to help reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour in public spaces. Two areas of Poole are already subject to a PSPO – Ashley Road and the surrounding area, and Alexandra Park - which were introduced in December 2014.

The orders make it a criminal offence to carry out certain anti-social behaviours in a named area. Borough of Poole is proposing to implement a new PSPO for Poole Town and Holes Bay, covering the town centre and Quay, as well as parts of Poole Park, Sterte and Tatnam. In addition, the council is also asking residents for their views on renewing and extending the powers of the existing PSPOs for Ashley Road and Alexandra Park.

Residents and businesses are invited to have their say on which behaviours they think should be included in the three orders. Possible measures that could be included in the proposed orders include anti-social behaviours such as drinking on the street, dealing or taking drugs, begging or allowing dogs to foul the pavement.

Cllr Karen Rampton, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities, Borough of Poole, said: “Anti-social behaviour in public places is unacceptable, and we know has an adverse affect on our residents and visitors. Public Space Protection Orders will allow us, and Dorset Police, more power to tackle this behaviour and create a safe and welcoming environment for all who use them.”

Once an order is made, anyone breaching it is committing a criminal offence and can be punished either by a fixed penalty notice of £100 or a prosecution.

Ian Cooke, Safer Communities Manager, Borough of Poole, said: “Unfortunately, in the past few years incidents of anti-social behaviour have increased, particularly in Poole Town Centre. This behaviour requires an increasing amount of time and resources for Borough of Poole, Dorset Police and other partners, and we believe a PSPO is the best way to help us reduce these issues. Although we already know that we would like to place a PSPO on these key areas in Poole, the behaviours to be included in each order are yet to be determined, which is where we would like residents’ views on how anti-social behaviour may affect them.”

Residents can take part in the consultation from Monday 4 September until Monday 16 October. Following the consultation, it is expected that orders will be introduced later this year.

Tom F

Tom is the editor of www.wallisdown.info - contact him with your news for this site.