Orders unlikely to deter yobs

The Public Space Protection Order proposed for the district’s coastline is far too wide ranging, open to interpretation, likely to detract from people’s enjoyment of the beach and unlikely to deter those bent on dangerous or disruptive behaviour [‘£100 fine for having barbecue or bottle on beaches’, Gazette, March 24].

It covers 16 potential offences, ranging from the clearly antisocial, through the clearly dangerous, to, potentially, the harmless picking up of a pebble to take home as a souvenir or enjoying a glass of wine on the beach – depending on the interpretation of the order by those enforcing it. Several items are already covered by law, by-laws or other acts.

The vast majority of beachusers are respectful. Those who aren’t are unlikely to be deterred by a sign about a PSPO – if they even notice it. If behaviour is extreme enough to be causing offence, it is highly likely that existing laws are sufficient to deal with it. Care needs to be taken to clarify what specific behaviours need to be checked, what is not already covered by law and how to communicate expectations in a way that does not alienate those who come to enjoy our beautiful beaches and support our towns.

This is claimed to be about safeguarding people’s enjoyment of the beach – but having the threat of being fined £100 for criminal behaviour hanging over your head if an ‘overzealous enforcement officer’ – and I’ve heard that there have been such things in the past - comes along is likely to considerably reduce that enjoyment.

Provision of sufficient bins, and friendly signs reminding people to dispose of their rubbish properly – as were put up a couple of years ago - and informative but positive notices about safety will more effectively remind people how to keep the beaches safe for all.

For those intent on antisocial behaviour, the regular presence of police officers and proper enforcement of existing laws are the best deterrents.

These PSPO measures are currently only a proposal – the public consultation is now open on the council website.

Clare Turnbull (Green)

City councillor for Gorrell ward