Public Spaces Protection Order for Gating at Ashford Churchyard Passage – Consultation launched

Ashford Borough Council is consulting on the renewal of its Public Spaces Protection order for gating at Ashford Churchyard Passage. 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 this area.

The PSPO focusses on the public footpath which leads from Churchyard Passage at its junction with the High Street in Ashford. It proposes to restrict the right of way along this pathway between the hours of 9:15pm Thursday to 6am Friday, 9:15pm Friday to 6am Saturday and 9:15pm Saturday to 6am Sunday.

The consultation began on 28 July 2023 and runs until midnight on Sunday 13 August 2023. The PSPO in this area has been in operation for the last six years having been identified as necessary by the council and police following reports and complaints received from local residents. Since its introduction the number of anti-social behaviour complaints has reduced. 

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. Liz Wright, portfolio holder for Communities and Health said: “A PSPO gives the police and the council the power to deal with these types of activities immediately and on the ground.

“Most of the time, such incidents may simply require us to point out that this behaviour is unacceptable but, if they become persistent, both council officers and the police are able to take enforcement action in the interests of the general public.

“In this case the introduction of the gating order restricts public access at times which have had a particular impact on local residents in the past. We want to extend this measure so that those who live here continue to feel that it is a safe and pleasant place to be.

“I welcome any measures that help to make our Town Centre spaces a safer and more pleasant place for residents and visitors at all times. The gating order has contributed to this experience and if extended will continue to do so.”