Issue - meetings

The Housing and Enforcement Manager introduced a report on public space protection orders (PSPOs).

The following points were raised:

·         PSPOs have been a power available to Members since 2016.  They have a range of uses;

·         They were currently in place for a number of scenarios, including dog fouling across the District, and the consumption of alcohol outside the Trinity Arts Centre.  There was also a PSPO in place at Hemswell Cliff limiting the use of vehicles such as quad bikes;

·         An item on the topic of PSPOs in Gainsborough had previously come to committee in 2017 but it had been felt that PSPOs in this area were not required;

·         A consultation on this topic would last for six weeks, with a possible end result of a further report to Regulatory Committee asking for a final decision on the matter;

·         Many of the sites listed in the report did not have any logged issues against them which would merit a PSPO;

·         Officers were asking that consultation take place for the cemeteries in Gainsborough in relation to dog control.  If during the consultation other issues arose, they would be reflected in the final PSPO proposal;

·         Currently, Gainsborough Town Council (GTC) were looking for some restrictions around dogs, quad bikes and motorised vehicles;

·         West Lindsey District Council (WLDC) does enforce PSPOs based on information from the public.  Certain sites were patrolled; however due to staffing levels it was impossible to patrol large numbers of sites.

Note:   Councillor Angela White arrived during this item.

Following this introduction, Members and officers provided further comment on the item:

·         If a number of dog users went elsewhere then additional dog bins may be required in other locations;

·         There had been a concentration of enforcement at Hemswell Cliff.  Resources were stretched but the general cemetery could warrant this extra resource;

·         The proposed approach of officers would be to spend time making sure orders were in place, supported by signage and maps;

·         Educating people on where and how they walk dogs would be beneficial;

·         GTC do not have the resource to train their own staff on site.  However, it could be something that GTC assist with financially.

RESOLVED to:

(1)  Consult upon a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to cover the general cemetery and North Warren Cemetery within the next 3 months;

(2)  Liaise with Gainsborough Town Council and the Police to review the evidence relating to the other sites proposed in order to determine whether any further PSPOs should be consulted upon.  This should include liaison on any resource implications.