Issue - meetings

This report asks the Executive Member to agree to proceed to public consultations on the potential implementation of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) to tackle the problems caused by youths in West Bank Park and Acomb Green.

Resolved: That Option 1 be agreed:

·        That a 4 week consultation process be undertaken with local residents and interested stakeholders to determine whether to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for West Bank Park and Acomb Green.

Reason: To ensure that the council actively addresses the issue of anti-social behaviour in our communities.

The Executive Member considered a report that asked him to agree to a public consultation on the potential implementation of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) to tackle the problems caused by youths in West Bank Park and Acomb Green.

Officers gave an update and confirmed that:

·        West Bank Park was managed by the council and during the course of 2015 there were 34 Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) incidents that North Yorkshire Police (NYP) were called to of which 27 were classified as youth related.

·        NYP were called to 49 incidents at Acomb Green, 44 were related to ASB and a further 5 criminal incidents were also reported. 

·        Both locations received a higher number of incidents reported in the summer months but there were ongoing problems in both areas throughout the year from groups of young people. 

The Executive Member noted the issues highlighted in both areas and in answer to his questions officers confirmed that:

·        There were no statutory requirements on the length of a consultation process and although a 6 week process had been previously used, 4 weeks would allow officers to actively address the issues.

·        The consultation process would be advertised on the council’s website and at the two locations.

·         It was not practical for officers to write to all users of the parks but representation from the public could be made via the councils website and by phone, email or letter.

·        The results would be brought back to a future Executive Member for Housing & Safer Neighbourhoods Decision Session

·        The 4 week process would start mid April 2016

The Executive Member thanked officers and welcomed the results at a future meeting.

Resolved: That Option 1 be agreed:

·        That a 4 week consultation process be undertaken with local residents and interested stakeholders to determine whether to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for West Bank Park and Acomb Green.

Reason: To ensure that the council actively addresses the issue of anti-social behaviour in our communities.