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Consultation launched to consider use of PSPOs in Gateshead (5 September 2016)

Date: 05/09/2016
Duncan Lewis, Crime Solicitors, Consultation launched to consider use of PSPOs in Gateshead

Gateshead Council has launched an initiative to counter anti-social behaviour (ASB) – including those who allow their dogs to foul pavements and persistent charity collectors.

The council says that Gateshead residents have complained about people not clearing up after their dogs and organisations touting for business in the town centre – as well as ASB from begging and people drinking in the street.

Gateshead Council is now considering imposing Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) by the end of 2106.

PSPOs give local authorities additional powers to stop individuals or groups of people committing anti-social behaviour in public spaces, which has a negative effect on the local community.

The council launched a public consultation on 1 September on the introduction of three types of order.

The first PSPO is for the whole of Gateshead and would introduce measures to ensure anyone walking a dog has the means both to clear up after it, depositing the bag in the right bins or taking it home. It would also give the police powers to seize alcohol from anyone drinking in a public place and causing a nuisance as a result.

The second PSPO would cover Gateshead Town Centre and is aimed at begging, tackling organisations and charities which are overly persistent when approaching people in the street – and banning drinking and urinating in a public place.

The third PSPO covers the Intu Metrocentre Retail Park – and would address people driving in an anti-social manner, including racing, taking up parking spaces meant for shoppers by attending unauthorised car rallies, driving dangerously and spinning wheels, otherwise known as “burn outs”.

Breaching Public Space Protection Orders could result in a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100, or prosecution resulting in a fine of up to £1,000, if convicted.

A six-week consultation period on PSPOs seeks the views of Gateshead residents, retailers and community groups. The deadline is 13 October 2016.

Gateshead Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Volunteering –
which covers Community Safety – Councillor Linda Green, said:

“We want people to enjoy coming to the town centre and not be put off by those people who think they can spoil it for the majority.

“We are considering introducing PSPOs to encourage people to change their behaviour and have some pride in their local community.

“Dog fouling is also a persistent problem across the borough and residents tell us it is a major issue for them. Hopefully, PSPOs will be one way forward in tackling this antisocial behaviour from some dog owners.”

Northumbria Police Chief Inspector Steve Hails added:

“We work closely with Gateshead Council to try and make the area a safe and enjoyable place for people to live and spend time – and the introduction of the PSPOs could help make a positive difference to local people’s quality of life.

“We already do a lot of work to tackle anti-social behaviour across the borough – however, we are always looking at new and innovative ways to help improve our communities and these new measures could really help.”

Duncan Lewis Criminal Lawyers

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can advise at any stage of a charge involving anti-social behaviour, including charges involving criminal damage, noise intrusion, graffiti, alcohol-related crime, begging and harassment.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and in most major cities – and a Duncan Lewis lawyer can attend interviews under caution at police stations as well as court hearings.

For expert legal advice on charges relating to anti-social behaviour, call Duncan Lewis criminal lawyers on 0333 772 0409.


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