Issue - meetings

This report advises the Executive Member of a Public Spaces Protection Order which has been requested by local residents, North Yorkshire Police, Safer York Partnership and Councillors.

Resolved:           That Option 1 be approved i.e. sealing and making operative the draft Public Spaces Protection Order (Annex 1 of the report).

Reasons:     (i)    The Council has a duty under Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to implement crime reduction strategies in an effort to reduce overall crime in their administrative area. This order will support that obligation.

  (ii)    Two formal representations concerning the draft order have been received, however following a site meeting with residents and Guildhall Councillors it is considered that the concerns raised from the representations have been addressed.

(iii)     With due regard to the Public Sector Equality Duty under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, the Council has identified that there is one positive and six negative impacts of this gating scheme which involve mobility and access issues.  Some of the negative impacts can be mitigated by design and installation options. Public Spaces Protection Orders must also be reviewed every three years, or on demand, which can accommodate any change in local circumstances.  It may be considered that the positive impact of additional security to residents increasing peace of mind and providing a safe area to the rear of the properties justifies the negative impacts.

The Executive Member considered a report which advised of a request to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order which had been requested by local residents, North Yorkshire Police, Safer York Partnership and Councillors in order to reduce the detrimental effect that the persistent crime and anti social behaviour currently associated with the alleyway was having on the quality of life of those in the locality.

Consideration was given to the following options:

Option 1:    Seal the draft Gating Order.

Option 2:    Do not seal the draft Gating Order

Resolved:           That Option 1 be approved i.e. the sealing and

making operative of the draft Public Spaces Protection Order.

Reasons:     (i)    The Council has a duty under Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to implement crime reduction strategies in an effort to reduce overall crime in their administrative area. This order will support that obligation.

  (ii)    Two formal representations concerning the draft order have been received, however following a site meeting with residents and Guildhall Councillors it is considered that the concerns raised from the representations have been addressed.