EREWASH council has unveiled plans to reinforce its crackdown on antisocial drinking in town centre streets and parks – and is calling on the public to take part in a consultation.
A Public Spaces Protection Order covering Ilkeston and Long Eaton has been in force for the past three years but is due to expire.
The council is keen to renew the PSPO for another three years while slightly extending the areas that are covered. These are where problems have also flared.
The council brought in the PSPO under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Council officers and the police get extra powers to deal with troublemakers openly consuming alcohol when asked to desist. Defying the PSPO in this way is an offence and means fixed penalties can be issued.
In Ilkeston the order also applies to Rutland Sports Park and Gordon Street playing field. In Long Eaton it covers West Park, Dockholme Lock and Petersham Green.
The council is seeking views from the public in a consultation which ends on August 28. To take part in the survey or for further information on the areas covered, visit the council’s website at Public Spaces Protection Orders (erewash.gov.uk)
Residents can also have their say on a separate PSPO relating to dog mess across the borough, dogs being excluded from children’s play areas and dogs having to be on a lead in cemeteries
Erewash’s Deputy Council Leader Becca Everett, who is the authority’s Lead Member for Community Engagement, said:
“We are determined to keep our town centres and other public spaces safe and welcoming – and to nip any antisocial activities in the bud. These protection orders are a valuable tool to protect our valued local amenities from being blighted, so let please take the time to join in the survey.”
