Agenda item

Morecambe & Heysham Public Spaces Protection Order 2018

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hughes)

 

Report of Chief Officer (Health & Housing).

 

Minutes:

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hughes)

 

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Health & Housing) which sought approval to make a Public Spaces Protection Order covering areas of Morecambe & Heysham. 

 

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

 

 

Option 1: To approve the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order covering areas of Morecambe & Heysham

Option 2: To take no action

Advantages

The introduction of a PSPO will provide a clear message about the type of behaviour that is not acceptable within the proposed areas, and will provide additional powers to tackle any anti-social behaviour as described in the Order. The introduction of an Order responds to public concerns about behaviour within the City centre. It also reinforces the council’s commitment to partnership working.

None

 

Disadvantages

Raises public expectation. The PSPO is a tool that can be used by authorised officers. However there is no additional staff resource being allocated to this.

The current no outside drinking rules will no longer be able to be enforced as the DPPO expires in 2017.

 

The Police has requested that as partners in the CSP we take out a PSPO. To take no action would demonstrate a lack of support.

 

Does not demonstrate the council’s commitment to community safety and addressing residents’ legitimate concerns.

Risks

None.

Reputational damage.

 

 

Option 1 is the preferred officer option, and has the support of the Community Safety Partnership and the local community.

 

The making of a Public Spaces Protection Order covering the designated area of Morecambe & Heysham, as set out at Appendix A to the report should enable the better policing of this public space and bring relief to local residents.

 

 

Councillor Hughes proposed, seconded by Councillor Clifford:-

 

“That the recommendation, as set out in the report, be approved.”

 

Councillors then voted:-

 

Resolved unanimously:

 

(1)          That the making of a Public Spaces Protection Order covering the designated areas of Morecambe & Heysham, as set out at Appendix A appended to the minutes, be approved.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

 

Chief Officer (Health & Housing)

 

Reasons for making the decision:

 

The introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order supports two of the priorities of the Community Safety Partnership, Violence against the Person and Anti-Social Behaviour and is consistent with the City Council’s priorities of Clean, Green and Safe Places and Community Leadership.  The performance of the Public Spaces Protection Order will be reported to both the Community Safety Partnership and to the Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

 

Supporting documents: