Decision details

The Council had made a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to control anti-social behaviour.  The PSPO was due to expire in November 2021, therefore there was an opportunity to review the Order.  To justify including controls within the PSPO, evidence that a problem existed or was likely to occur was required.  Therefore, the Parish and Town Councils had been consulted and the results analysed to evidence whether controls were necessary. 

PSPOs were designed to ensure the law-abiding majority could enjoy public spaces, safe from anti-social behaviour.  Specified restrictions could be set by the Council, namely blanket restrictions or requirements against certain behaviours, as well as restricting access to public rights of way where anti-social behaviour was evidenced. They had a three-year duration or could be shorter where appropriate. More than one restriction could be added to the same PSPO, meaning that a single PSPO could deal with a larger range of behaviours.  The breach of a PSPO was a criminal offence although enforcement officers could issue a fixed penalty notice of up to £100 if appropriate, but a fine of up to £1,000 could be made on prosecution.  PSPOs could be enforced by council officers and the Police. 

It was proposed to consult the public about making a new PSPO which replicated the existing controls with the addition of a control prohibiting wanton or dangerous cycling, hover boards, scooting, skating or skateboarding on the Bexhill Promenade.  A copy of set controls that could be included in the public consultation and a copy of Thanet District Council’s Order were attached at Appendices A and B respectively to the report.

Cabinet agreed that the additional controls identified at Appendix A should be included in the public consultation.  It was noted that the results of the consultation and approval to proceed with a new PSPO would be reported back to Cabinet in December 2021.

RESOLVED: That:

1)    the additional controls identified in Appendix A to the report be included in the public consultation; and

2)    public consultation be carried out about making a Public Spaces Protection Order and the outcome of the consultation and approval to proceed with a new Order be reported back to Cabinet in December 2021.