Agenda item

To provide a summary of the results of the recent consultation and an overview of the a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for parks, green spaces and cemeteries.

Ms Lisa Arnold, Assistant Director of Community and Environmental Services and Ms Jennifer Clayton, Head of Public Protection and Enforcement presented a summary of the results of the recent consultation regarding a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Parks, Green Spaces and Cemeteries and an overview of the contents of the proposed PSPO.

The PSPO was designed to deter Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) in green spaces across Blackpool. In order to ensure that the PSPO fulfilled this objective a public consultation was undertaken between May and June 2023 on the proposed order. The outcome of this exercise had shown that there was broad public support for the proposed PSPO. As a result of this, officers would be drafting the PSPO and circulating it to partner organisations before submissions to the courts for approval.

Members noted that a number of green areas had been omitted from the list of areas that was proposed would be included in the PSPO. This raised a concern that the PSPO would only move problem areas from one green space to others in Blackpool. Ms Arnold responded that this had been recognised and that other areas would be included to ensure the PSPO covered as many areas as possible.

Superintendent Chris Hardy and Chief Inspector Chris Barton from Lancashire Constabulary addressed the Committee and discussed the role of the Police in enforcing the PSPO. It was highlighted that the intention of the order would be to deter ASB rather than lead to additional resources being committed to the issue. Superintendent Hardy added that ASB was an issue that was best addressed through partnership working and noted that in many cases Council teams such as Public Protection were best placed to deal with cases of ASB.

In order that the public were aware of the introduction of the PSPO, Ms Arnold advised that signage would be introduced in the affected green spaces. Social media would also be utilised to communicate with residents along with information in the Your Blackpool newsletter.

The process of information sharing between the Police and Council was discussed, with Superintendent Hardy advising that the process of information sharing was under review. It was emphasised that the focus of engagement with the public would be to ensure that residents knew which partner would be the most appropriate to contact to report incidents of ASB. Chief Inspector Barton added that Partnership working between the Council and Police was good and represented the best partnership working in Lancashire.

The Committee also noted that the introduction of the PSPO would complement existing powers already in place to address ASB. Mr John Blackledge, Director of Community and Environmental Services stated that other powers such as the Dog Control PSPO would be reviewed in 2024 to ensure that the collection of powers in place achieved the desired results.

The challenge of policing ASB involving electric bikes and scooters was discussed with the Committee being advised that the policing of such ASB was difficult. Superintendent Hardy reported that there was a lack of national guidance in respect of such vehicles and that how best to approach this form of ASB needed further consideration.

Public communications and information sharing via Apps was also raised with Inspector Barton highlighting that the Police operated the “In The Know” app. This allowed targeted information sharing on issues that affected residents, such as incidents of burglaries in a local area. Members also highlighted that other apps such as “Next Door” could be utilised in this respect.

The Committee agreed: That the work to develop a Public Space Protection Order for Parks, Green Spaces and Cemeteries be noted.

Superintendent Hardy and Chief Inspector Barton left the meeting following this item.