Issue - meetings

   (Copy herewith)

2.1.1   Cabinet authorised the Chief Executive to undertake a 12 week consultation period regarding whether the review of current PSPO 2017 under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014 should be renewed for a further three years and whether any additional activities or behaviour ought to be included in it as detailed in Appendix 1.

2.1.2   In addition, Cabinet authorised the consultation on additional behaviours which have been brought to our attention (busking, cycling on pavements).

2.1.3   Cabinet agreed to receive a further report, following completion of the statutory public consultation, which considers any representations received and, if appropriate, seek approval of the PSPO(s).

Councillor King as the relevant Cabinet Member presented the report and stated that it was important to agree to the commencement of a consultation process regarding the review of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) as the current order would expire on 31 March 2020.

Councillor Hallam welcomed enforcement in respect of cycling on the pavement – frequent complaints were received about Kettering Road.

Councillor Larratt also received regular complaints in respect of cycling on the pavement along Wellingborough Road.  In regard to busking, he pointed out that whilst some buskers were very good, others were not, and regularisation would be helpful.

Councillor Birch agreed that cycling on the pavement was very dangerous.  She considered that busking needed to be time-limited.  Councillor Birch questioned how effective PSPOs were and how many times they had been issued.  She also pointed out that current signage was small and high up – it needed to be legible and at eye level.

Councillor King stated that not many PSPOs had been issued.  New signage would be put in place at the end of the consultation, dependent on the outcome.  Operation Lily, deploying 10 extra police officers to the town centre, was making a difference.

Councillor Beardsworth noted that cycling on the pavement was a major problem and was also concerned about use of scooters – this was likely to become an issue and needed to be planned for.  She had been out with the police in the town centre on many occasions.  Jeyes Jetty had always been a problem as a cut-through and was not suitable for the town centre.

RESOLVED:

2.1.1   Cabinet authorised the Chief Executive to undertake a 12 week consultation period regarding whether the review of current PSPO 2017 under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014 should be renewed for a further three years and whether any additional activities or behaviour ought to be included in it as detailed in Appendix 1.

2.1.2   In addition, Cabinet authorised the consultation on additional behaviours which have been brought to our attention (busking, cycling on pavements).

2.1.3   Cabinet agreed to receive a further report, following completion of the statutory public consultation, which considers any representations received and, if appropriate, seek approval of the PSPO(s).