Consultation begins on better behaviour
Scarborough Council has launched a consultation today on the proposed introduction of a Public Space Protection Order.
If adopted, the Public Space Protection Order will make it easier for the council, police and partner agencies to tackle a wide range of anti-social behaviour with the aim of helpingcommunities feel more secure, free from the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour and the effects of drugs and alcohol misuse.
The order would cover areas within the Castle, North Bay, Ramshill, Weaponness, Northstead, Stepney and Central wards of Scarborough. It is being proposed as a result of complaints from residents, businesses and visitors about the anti-social behaviour within these parts of the town.
Common complaints include individuals being drunk and under the influence of substances, shouting and being verbally abusive and intimidating passers-by.
If people do not comply with the terms of a Public Space Protection Order, they could be prosecuted for a breach or issue a Fixed Penalty Notice).
Current legislation allows local authorities to set a local level for Fixed Penalty Notice to a maximum of £100.
The council wants to hear from as many local people as possible as part of the consultation.
People can find out more about the proposals and have their say online at scarborough.gov.uk/consultation or can go along to one of two drop in events taking place at the Town Hall on St Nicholas Street on Thursday November 24 from 2pm to 6pm and Tuesday December 13 from 10am to 2pm.
Sandra Rees, Scarborough Council’s Community Safety and Safeguarding Manager said: “The intention of introducing a Public Space Protection Order is to protect the town’s public spaces from persistent or continuing anti-social behaviour by individuals or groups. We know from community feedback that such behaviour is having a detrimental effect on the quality of life for those living in, working in and visiting the area and we see the order as a powerful tool to help us reverse this situation.”