Second stage survey of Newark and Sherwood's Public Space Protection Orders is open

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO’s) help preserve and protect the community and local areas and are designed to promote responsible behaviour and restrict behaviour that is anti-social, in parks and other public open spaces. Anyone found in violation of a PSPO could be faced with a fine.

The public consultation is being undertaken in two stages, the first stage survey was open to the public for a six-week period allowing them to comment on the proposed list of orders and their content. Following this the second stage survey has been created using the comments from the first survey and is once again open to the public to comment on before the results are presented to Cabinet for final approval.

Residents will be updated on the survey via the District Council’s social media channels and website.

Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council said: “Public Space Protection Orders are a really useful tool we can use to stop anti-social behaviour in its tracks, and whilst we can see that the current orders we have implemented are working successfully, reviews such as this are still necessary to ensure they continue to do so.”

“Hearing from residents, local community groups and local partners is so important to the review as it allows us to work together to ensure these orders are still relevant and positively impacting behaviour within our communities.”

There are currently a number of PSPOs in place within NSDC, these include:

Dog control – A district wide order, this enables enforcement for dog fouling across the district and sets out location where dogs are either excluded, must be on lead or must be placed on lead.

Dispersal – This order allows officers to give direction to leave any area due to anti-social behaviour. Continuation of orders at the below sites has been supported by Police data.

• Newark Town Centre
• Balderton Lakes
• Coronation Park, Balderton
• Lakeside Shopping Centre, Balderton

Fire Control – This enforces the prohibition of fires and BBQs. An order is already in place at Vicar Water Country Park and a new order has been proposed for Sconce and Devon Park. Both of these sites have a history of fire-related incidents and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service supports the continuation of Vicar Water and will be consulted on the new order through the public consultation process.

Alcohol control – This order is already in place in Newark Town Centre, however, the new proposal for this order would mean alcohol would be removed rather than allowing the individual to consume any remaining alcohol.

The following new order has also been proposed:

Restriction of Vehicles –The order would enforce the restriction of access to Eakring Road in order to prevent fly-tipping and nuisance vehicles including off road bikes. This is a Nottinghamshire County Council highway running through Forestry England land and is supported by both organisations.

Councillor Taylor continues: “PSPO’s can encourage long-term behaviour change and I really encourage everyone to have their say on these orders as this would be a fantastic opportunity to shape what a safety and security in your district looks like to you.”