Agenda item

To receive a report by the Head of Community requesting approval to apply a Public Spaces Protection Order to Huntingdon High Street.

By means of a report by the Head of Community (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Panel considered a proposal to make a Public Space Protection Order for Huntingdon Town Centre under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The Order had been requested by Cambridgeshire Constabulary to address problems relating to street drinkers and their anti-social behaviour. Over the last 12 months, an increasing number of complaints had been received about individual’s street drinking in and around the Town Centre and acting in an anti-social manner. However on most occasions the Police had been unable to enforce any action as an offence had not been committed.

Members were informed that the Order would not make the consumption of alcohol in public an offence but in those instances where individuals were in possession of open containers of alcohol and acting in a manner that causes alarm, harassment or distress it would enable Police Officers, Police Community Support Officers and designated Local Authority Officers to have more power to deal with the issues arising. Consultation had been carried out throughout November in the proposed area with statutory consultees, identified relevant bodies, residents and businesses and there had been no opposition received to the proposal.

Having welcomed the proposed use of a Public Spaces Protection Order within Huntingdon Town Centre and noted the timetable for implementation, Members commented upon the success of the use of Designated Public Place Orders in St Ives in addressing problems relating to regular street drinking and associated issues.

With regard to the enforcement of the Order and in response to Members concerns in relation to the level of policing resources which would be required, the Head of Community explained that this had been discussed with the Chief Inspector who had agreed to provide the service.  Members were keen to ensure that the Order would be rigorously enforced by the Constabulary and suggested that an assurance should be sought in this regard. Comment was also made with regard to the need to ensure that individuals who were homeless were dealt with appropriately under this power.

The Panel were also advised that appeals or challenges to the use of PSPO powers could be made by anyone who lives in or regularly works in or visits the area to the High Court within six weeks of issue.

Whereupon and having noted that the PSPO for Huntingdon Town Centre would remain in place for 3 years from the date of commencement and that if applied this power will work alongside the Council’s Corporate Priorities with regards to the creation of safer, stronger and more resilient communities, it was

RESOLVED

(a)  that the implementation of a Public Spaces Protection Order for Huntingdon Town Centre (as shown on the plan attached to the report now submitted) be approved; and

(b)  that the following prohibitions with the Public Spaces Protection Order for Huntingdon Town Centre be approved –

v  Persons not to be in possession of open containers of alcohol in the area covered by the PSPO; and

v  Persons acting in a manner that causes alarm, harassment or distressed will be perceived as breaching the order.