Agenda item

The Executive considered a consultation plan for the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which was designed to tackle low level anti-social behaviour within the borough.

In 2004 the Council had implemented the current Designated Public Protection Orders (DPPOs) areas in Camberley Town Centre, Old Dean, St Michaels, Heatherside and Frimley Green Recreation Ground, which provided Surrey Police with the powers to seize alcohol or issue fines when necessary.

The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 had replaced Designated Public Place Orders with PSPOs.  The existing DPPO areas would be enforceable until 14 October 2017. PSPOs would need to be implemented in order for these powers to be enforced after this date.

A single PSPO could include a multiple number of restrictions and requirements within one order.  The Executive considered suggestions in relation to expanding the existing area around controlled alcohol zones and utilising the wider powers to enforce emerging problems such as intoxicating substances, to deter begging in Camberley Town Centre only, and enhance the dog control powers within the 35 designated park and green spaces areas within the borough.

It was emphasised that at this stage the Executive was only being asked to approve the proposals for consultation.

Members discussed the consultation plan and agreed to clarify references to begging and homelessness in order to ensure that they were referred to as distinct and separate matters.

RESOLVED to approve the Public Spaces Protection Order consultation plan, as set out at Annex A to the agenda report, as amended.