Issue - meetings

Meeting: 04/06/2020 - Regulatory Committee (Item 8)

8 Extension of Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) Trinity Arts Centre pdf icon PDF 38 KB

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Minutes:

The second report of the night was introduced by the Housing and Enforcement Manager. He explained the purpose of the report was to seek consent to discharge the Public Space Protection Order currently in place at Trinity Arts Centre in Gainsborough. He highlighted to Members that the Council had had in place a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) at the Trinity Arts Centre since 2017. This PSPO was due to end on 24 July 2020. During this time, the Council had received no reports from the public in regards to breaches of the PSPO. Council Officers had provided advice to persons on the land on one occasion and the Police had received three alcohol reports in 2017 and two in 2018. As a result of this, it was not felt, at this stage, that the criteria was satisfied in regards to extending the PSPO. The issue did not appear to be persistent and continuing nor did it appear reasonable given the volume of complaints that had been received. It was highlighted to Members that there would be a consultation period and it was requested that the decision to discharge the PSPO be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Committee Chairman, subject to the results of the consultation.

 

There was significant discussion amongst Members voicing concerns that the reason there had been no complaints was because the PSPO was in place. There was consternation that the removal of the Order would lead to a resurgence of problematic behaviour around the area of the Trinity Arts Centre. The Housing and Enforcement Manager was clear that the regulations governing PSPOs did not allow for potential problems, rather they had to focus on the evidence of existing and continuing issues. As this was not the case, it was not recommended for the PSPO to be extended. He assured Members that should there be such problems after the expiration of the PSPO, there would be the option to reinstate a PSPO for the area. He also advised that there were alternative district-wide PSPOs which could be drawn upon to address difficulties which may arise.

 

Members of the Committee understood that the PSPO could not be in place in perpetuity and as the end of the three year time limit was approaching, it would be necessary to review the situation in due course.

 

Having been moved, seconded and voted upon, it was

 

            RESOLVED that

 

a)    the Council consult upon the discharge of the PSPO at Trinity Arts Centre; and

 

b)    subject to the results of the consultation, the decision on discharging the PSPO be delegated to the Chief Executive in conjunction with the Chairman of the Regulatory Committee.