Public Spaces Protection Order at Coney Bear – Consultation launched
Published: 06/12/2022
Ashford Borough Council is consulting on the proposed Public Spaces Protection Gating order for the area known as the Coney Bear site in Ashford. This will allow the Council to maintain a range of measures to address anti-social behaviour (ASB) issues and help to improve community safety and the local environment in these areas.
Beginning on Tuesday 6th December 2022 the consultation runs until midnight on Sunday 11th December 2022. The proposed area originally had a PSPO introduced three years ago and was identified by the council, police reports and complaints received from local residents for nuisance issues.
PSPOs allow councils to tackle anti-social behaviour which takes place in a specific, geographical area (as opposed to criminal behaviour orders and injunctions which are directed at individuals). A PSPO is tailored for defined activities, meaning that anyone carrying them out in an area under one of these orders can be prosecuted. Examples of these include anti-social behaviour, drinking and urinating in public.
Following the end of the consultation period, all responses will be analysed and the results reported back to the council. The council will then decide whether any changes need to be made.
Cllr. Paul Bartlett, portfolio holder for Community Safety and Wellbeing said: “A PSPO gives the council and the police the power to deal with these type of activities immediately and on the ground.
“Often, such incidents may simply require us to point out that this behaviour is unacceptable but, when they become persistent, both council officers and the police are able to take enforcement action.
“Ashford is seeing major economic growth and investment and, as part of this, we want to see the borough continue to remain an attractive, welcoming place for all our residents and visitors.
Residents can find out more about the consultation and take part in it via https://haveyoursay.ashford.gov.uk/2022pspo_coneybear. If they do not have access to the internet, they can either visit the Civic Centre to use one of our computer terminals or pick up a hard copy.
