Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors J. Conroy and Woods.

The minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 3 November 2009 were signed by the Chair.

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The Director of Environment and Culture submitted a report that set out a proposed Byelaw for Good Rule and Governance for the Borough of Northampton to tackle low level anti social behaviour affecting residents and businesses. The Director noted that the wording of the byelaw was prescribed by the Department of Culture and Local Government although individual offences could be omitted. The existing bylaws were outdated and, in some cases, redundant. Offences set out in the proposed Byelaw were enforceable via the Magistrates Court, however, the Government propose to revise this to allow enforcement through fixed penalty notices. Reference was made to the consultation that had taken place to date and set out in the report.

The proposed Byelaw was welcomed and it was noted that if approved by the Secretary of State, guidance would be provided to aid a consistent and fair approach to enforcement. This would be particularly necessary in enforcing dangerous games near highways and playing games to the annoyance of local residents.

It was acknowledged that the Committee’s role was in respect of the Byelaw itself however comment was made that in terms of the proposed skateboarding offences those who were already looking at the provision of facilities for skateboarders should be urged to make progress as quickly as possible.

RESOLVED: 1. That approval be given to go to consultation with the  general public on the draft updated Byelaw for Good Rule and Governance for the Borough of Northampton in order to tackle low level anti social behaviour affecting residents and businesses.

2. That the Director of Environment and Culture be authorised to place the necessary advertisement required by legislation.