Issue - meetings

Councillor Ashall introduced the recommendations of the Executive proposing the implementation of the Public Spaces Protection Order for the town centre.  The Order had been drawn up in light of a request received from partners following the identification of anti social behaviour issues in Woking town centre.  The Order would focus on anti social behaviour linked to the consumption of alcohol and/or drugs and was one of a number of measures being used to address the identified problems.

During the discussion on the proposals, Councillor Aziz expressed a number of concerns around the possibility of the Order resulting in the anti social behaviour being pushed out of the town centre and into surrounding areas.  In view of his concerns, Councillor Aziz indicated that he would not support the recommendations and asked for his vote against the establishment of a Public Spaces Protection Order to be recorded.

The other Members of the Council welcomed the proposals and, whilst noting the views of Councillor Aziz and his decision to vote against the measures, agreed the recommendations subject to an amendment in recommendation (v), replacing the reference to paragraph 5.6 of the report to reference to paragraph 6.6.

RESOLVED

That (i)    the consultation be noted;

          (ii)   the Director of Neighbourhood Services be authorised to implement the PSPO for the town centre with the amended map to the report in light of the overwhelming support in the consultation for its introduction;

          (iii) delegated authority be given to the Director of Neighbourhood Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to allow minor amendments to the order throughout the duration of the order;

          (iv) regular reviews will be carried out via the Joint Action Group (JAG) meetings and quarterly updates will be circulated to the Community Safety Task Group; and

          (v)   delegated authority be given to the Director of Neighbourhood Services to issue fixed penalty notices at the level set at paragraph 6.6 in the report and to amend in line with any legislation changes.

Reporting Person – Geoff McManus

Councillor Harlow, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, introduced the report which sought approval of the Executive to recommend to Council the implementation of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for the town centre.  The Executive welcomed the report and noted the consultation undertaken regarding the proposed PSPO which had been broadly supportive.  The Executive supported the proposed PSPO which would be another tool to make people feel safe.

In answer to a question about why a new order had been created, rather than reviewing the previous order, Officers explained that the previous order had come to an end at a time when the Council did not have an evidence base to expand or continue the order.  It was noted that PSPO’s can only be made for three years as part of the legislation.  At that time, there was an improving picture in the town centre because of Covid and other activities and interventions the Council had put in place.

REcommended to Council

That  (i)    the consultation be noted;

          (ii)   the Director of Neighbourhood Services be authorised to implement the PSPO for the town centre with the amended map to the report in light of the overwhelming support in the consultation for its introduction;

          (iii)  delegated authority be given to the Director of Neighbourhood Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to allow minor amendments to the order throughout the duration of the order;

          (iv)  regular reviews will be carried out via the Joint Action Group (JAG) meetings and quarterly updates will be circulated to the Community Safety Task Group; and

          (v)   delegated authority be given to the Director of Neighbourhood Services to issue fixed penalty notices at the level set at paragraph 5.6 in the report and to amend in line with any legislation changes.

Reason:   To approve the terms of a Public Spaces Protection Order and approve delegations to enforce the Order.