Issue - meetings

The purpose of this report is to agree to proceed to public consultations on the potential implementation of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle the problems caused by groups of people at Union Terrace Car Park and Clarence Gardens.

Resolved:

(i)           That Option 1 be agreed. To consult with local businesses, residents and interested stakeholders on the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Union Terrace, Union Terrace Car Park, Clarence Street and Clarence Gardens, which would ensure that the Police and the Council would have greater powers to deal with anti-social behaviour in these areas.

(ii)         That a 4 week consultation process be undertaken and that the options within paragraph 10 of the report be referenced.

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

(iii)        That a further report at the end of the consultation, which makes recommendations as to whether to introduce a PSPO taking into account the responses to the consultation, be received at a future Decision Session – Executive Member for Housing & Safer Neighbourhoods.

Reason: The Council will need to have due regard to the results of the public consultation exercise and legal criteria in making a decision.

The Executive Member considered a report that sought agreement to proceed to public consultation on the potential implementation of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle the problems caused by groups of people at Union Terrace car park and Clarence Gardens.

The Community Safety Manager was in attendance to provide an update and he confirmed that:

·        Union Terrace car park was located just outside the City Walls and was a main parking area for coaches bringing visitors to the city.

·        Clarence Gardens was a park, situated close to Union Terrace and the hospital.

·        Some of the same individuals who had caused issues at Union Terrace had also been responsible for incidents within the park.

·        The PSPO could include a ban on drinking alcohol in both areas, where it was associated with ASB and could have the ability to remove large groups of 3 or more people who were causing ASB.

·         In 2021 there had been 528 incidents of crime and ASB reported across both Union Terrace and Clarence Street. Of these incidents, 180 were reports of alcohol related ASB and crime. 

·        The public toilets in Union Terrace car park were regularly damaged and officers continued to work with the police.

·        The homeless hostel within this area would not be affected.

In answer to questions raised, it was confirmed that:

·        The consultation would include Union Terrace Car Park, Union Terrace, Clarence Street and Clarence Gardens.

·        Introducing a PSPO could result in displacement but should this occur, an overall multi-agency problem solving approach would create the resources and powers to tackle all aspects of ASB.

·        The multi-agency problem solving group had developed an action plan focused on tackling anti-social and criminal behaviour experienced in this area and Ward Members had been invited to attend meetings of the multi-agency problem solving group.

·        The council’s directorate of Public Health would apply for government funding to support rehabilitation and substance misuse.

·        The options listed within paragraph 10 of the report were suggested prohibitions that could be put in place.

·        The results of the consultation would inform how the proposed PSPO should be taken forward.

The Executive Member noted that a PSPO was just one of the many powers available to tackle issues of ASB and that a PSPO was not used in isolation but was part of an overall multi-agency problem solving approach.

Resolved:

(i)           That Option 1 be agreed. To consult with local businesses, residents and interested stakeholders on the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Union Terrace, Union Terrace Car Park, Clarence Street and Clarence Gardens, which would ensure that the police and the council would have greater powers to deal with anti-social behaviour in these areas.

(ii)         That a 4 week consultation process be undertaken and that the options within paragraph 10 of the report be referenced.

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

(iii)        That a further report at the end of the consultation, which makes recommendations as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13