Members gave consideration to a report which provided Members of the Regulatory Committee the background to, and the decision in respect of the Gainsborough Cemeteries Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).

The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Gainsborough Cemeteries had been in place since 2019 and was due to expire on 13th October 2022. Both sites were owned and managed by Gainsborough Town Council.

The report provided information on the consultation response regarding the discharge of the PSPO these were summarised to the Committee and set out in Section 4 of the report.  The Officer concluded the introduction by advising that discussions relating to specific problems in the town and cemeteries were ongoing, as was the review of additional powers. A report was due at this Committee in December 2022

Debate ensued, and there was discussion over the low level of interest in the consultation, the possible deterrent effects of the PSPO, and the support for its continuation from Gainsborough Town Council. There were also statements regarding general anti-social behaviour in the District, including dog fouling and a lack of regular enforcement. Officers confirmed regular patrols would remain in the absence of the PSPO and outlined the effective deterrents in place.

In response to questions, Officers confirmed a PSPO could be re-instated and outlined the work involved, and the timeline involved.  However, it was re-emphasised that the scale of the problem on the site did not meet the level required by legislation, to support the continuation of the PSPO at present.

It was confirmed that Gainsborough Town Council did not offer any support for this additional work but Officers advised that future endeavours would include collaboration with parish and town councils. Gainsborough Town Council did not employ someone trained to issue fixed penalty notices (FPNs). Officers explained this function could be delegated, as was in some parishes utilising FPNs. Officers explained the main issue was a lack of individuals willing to conduct enforcement procedures.

It was confirmed that the discharge of the PSPO applied to both the Ropery Road Cemetery and the Gainsborough General Cemetery.

Having been proposed and seconded, on voting it was unanimously

RESOLVED that the “Gainsborough Cemeteries PSPO” be discharged and not renewed when it expired on the 13 October 2022.