Public Space Protection Orders - Frequently asked questions
Ashfield District Council has had a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in place to assist the Council and Partner Agencies tackle anti-social behaviour and environmental crime across the district.
3-yearly review
The PSPO must be reviewed every 3 years; the last review took place in 2021. The Council’s PSPO is now required to be reviewed again and consideration to be made for a further extension and variation of the order.
Are the Orders a law?
Yes. The council is given the power under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, a full breakdown of provisions has been included in the draft order.
What action can be taken?
The proposed Order is designed to address the following issues.
- Drinking alcohol in a designated area
- Urinating/defecating within a designated area
- Dog fouling in specified areas
- Failing to produce a receptacle for picking up dog faeces
- Having a dog in an area specified as a dog exclusion zone
- Failing to have dogs on a lead in specified areas or when directed
- Exceeding the maximum number of dogs specified
- Direction to move on when requested
- Vehicle Nuisance in the Ashfield district
-
Street Harassment in the Ashfield District
- Closing strip of land between Bentinck and Welbeck Street, Sutton-In-Ashfield
Who will enforce it?
Authorised officers such as the Council’s Community Protection Officer’s (CPO), Community Safety Team, a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) or any Officer authorised by the Council will enforce the Order.
What are the penalties?
Ashfield District Council intends to issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) to enforce the proposed Orders, the fine amount will be £100 and failure to pay may lead to summary conviction and a fine not exceeding £1000 (not exceeding £500 for alcohol related offences).
How will I know if an area is subject to the Order?
There are detailed maps available on 2024 PSPO.
As the existing Order has been in place for almost 3 years, signage is already erected around the District which advises that you are entering an area which has restrictions attached. An audit will be taking place and additional signage will be placed in areas as required.
Will it work?
Yes! The existing Orders are working well and assisted the Council to effectively respond to issues across the district.
The previous orders has supported the Council to tackle and manage anti-social behaviour and environmental matters across the district such as car cruising, alcohol and dog control related issues and ensures the Council and Police have available options to deal with these matters. Keeping the existing Orders and expanding on them, will simply allow us to build upon the good work already done and help to keep Ashfield a clean and safe place to live, work and visit.
Is there any reason not to renew the PSPO?
That is the question the consultation is asking. If people have comments they can make them during this period. Once the consultation period ends, any comments made cannot be taken into account.
When will it come into force?
The consultation ends on 27 May 2024; the report and the existing Orders will go before a meeting of the Full Council and the Order could then come into force on 1 October 2024.
Where can I view the details of the proposed Order?
Copies of the proposed order and plan are available for inspection free of charge throughout the consultation period during normal opening hours at the following locations:
- Kirkby-in-Ashfield Council Offices, Urban Road, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottingham, NG17 8DA
This information can also be viewed on the Council website:
Consultation deadline
Representations on the proposed Public Space Protection Order should be made to Ashfield District Council by 12 midnight on 27 May 2024 either by writing to:
Community Safety (PSPO)
Ashfield District Council,
Council Offices
Urban Road
Kirkby in Ashfield,
Nottinghamshire, East Midlands
NG17 8DA
or by e-mail addressed to PSPO@ashfield.gov.uk.
Representations received after 12 midnight on the 27 May 2024 cannot be accepted.