Following the Consultation that took place between 13 January and 24 February 2022, the results have been analysed and a report sent to Cabinet on 22 March 2022.
The overwhelming response was in favour of the Public Space Protection Order being introduced for another three-year period starting on 1 April 2022. This has been signed by Niall Bolger, Chief Executive.
The feedback from the consultation highlighted the following results.
The order will provide the opportunity to prevent the escalation of more serious crimes being committed and people not feeling safe and being harassed in public spaces. It also contributes to keeping public spaces clean, however rather than seeing the order as solely an enforcement mechanism, with communication, signage, and awareness campaigns, it will be a key component in supporting our preventative approach to keeping the borough safe.
We are aware that street drinking can be connected to individuals who are problematic drinkers or are alcohol dependent. For some, this may also be combined with drug dependency, or other vulnerabilities such as mental health problems, unstable accommodation, and rough sleeping.
We recognise that enforcement alone will therefore not address the causal issues presented, and we have forged partnerships between our Enforcement Team and support services such as Addiction Recovery Community (ARC) and our new Park Rangers service, who will be key to achieving a reduction in street drinking.
Thank you to everyone that took part in this consultation and the comments provided. This will assist the Council in identifying key locations within the borough for signage, where residents are most impacted by this behaviour.
The survey results are attached below, along with a copy of the 2022 Public Space Protection Order.
Hounslow Council is consulting on the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order to tackle alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in public spaces.
As part of the borough’s Safer Communities Strategy 2021-2024, work is underway to keep Hounslow a low crime borough. A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) provides an additional tool to support this ambition.
Background
In 2017 Hounslow Council implemented a borough-wide Public Space Protection Order allowing the police to enforce against people found drinking alcohol and causing anti-social behaviour. This Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) expired in 2021. It is proposed that another three-year Public Space Protection Order be introduced to impose the same restrictions.
What is a Public Space Protection Order?
A Public Space Protection Order is a power under Section 59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The intended use of this is to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a particular area that is damaging to the local community's quality of life, by imposing conditions on how that area is used. Public Space Protection Orders are designed to ensure the law-abiding majority of people can use and enjoy public spaces, safe from anti-social behaviour.
What will the restrictions of the Public Space Protection Order include?
The Public Space Protection Order will impose the same restrictions as the previous borough Public Space Protection Order, which expired in 2021, on the consumption of alcohol in public spaces where anti-social behaviour is involved.
What we will aim to achieve with this Public Space Protection Order ?
See below for more details - PSPO Q&A January 2022
If you want to provide feedback, you can complete the online questionnaire or you can email us at: Community.safety@hounslow.gov.uk or send comments by post to: C/o Community Safety Team, Hounslow House, 7 Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 4EB.
The Public Space Protection Order will be advertised on Hounslow Council website and social media accounts.
When will it come into force?
The Public Space Protection Order will come into force in April 2022. The Council has the option to vary or discontinue the Public Space Protection Order if the behaviours stop or change.
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