Issue - meetings

The Committee heard from the Housing and Enforcement Manager regarding the extension of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) at Hemswell Cliff. It was explained that PSPOs were made under section 59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. A minimum 30 day consultation period was required by legislation, with the Committee then required to make the final decision. Members heard that the response rate to the consultation had been good, at double the number of responses compared to the previous consultation. The Parish Council had also been involved. It was explained that 80% of respondents raised ongoing issues and 90% said the PSPO should be extended. Comments from the consultation were summarised in the appendix, with Officers using the information to assess how aspects could be improved.

Based on the information received, it was recommended that that the PSPO at Hemswell Cliff be extended for a further three years. A copy of the order was appended to the report, although a decision by the Committee taken at this point would not come into effect until June 2024, with steps to be taken at that time to enact the order.

Members of the Committee were pleased with the response rate to the consultation with further discussion regarding the raised issues of parking and littering. It was explained that there was evidence to support that these issues had improved, although it was accepted there was continued work regarding both aspects. It was highlighted that there were parking and littering problems in areas that were not covered by the PSPO, which could cause confusion for residents, however Officers worked with other teams to ensure reported problems were addressed in a timely manner, for example fly-tipping or abandoned vehicles.

It was enquired as to whether the new Enforcement Officers would be based at Hemswell Cliff, and this was confirmed to be the case. Instead of there being one Enforcement Officer to cover the area, there would be three. They would be monitoring the PSPOs and would be visible in the associated areas. A Member of the Committee also noted that the Hemswell Cliff Neighbourhood Plan had been presented at Full Council, demonstrating the community were also doing what was in their power to help improve the area.

Having been proposed and seconded, the Chairman took the vote and it was unanimously

RESOLVED that the Hemswell Cliff Public Space Protection Order proposals be approved and as such the Order be extended for a three-year period from 14 June 2024 to 13 June 2027.