Issue - meetings

The current Designated Public Place Order (“DPPO”) which restricts street drinking in Midsomer Norton is due to expire in October 2017. This is as a result of the introduction of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 (“the Act”). This report invites the Cabinet to determine whether, and if so in what way, to continue restrictions on street drinking in this area as a PSPO, following a consultation as required by the legislation.

Councillor Bob Goodman said that it was clear from this review that the Designated Public Protection Order had been seen as successful and there was an appetite for its provisions to be continued through a Public Space Protection Order.

Councillor Bob Goodman moved the recommendations.

Councillor Paul Myers seconded the motion by saying that the introduction of both a DPPO and street marshals, had seen a 13% reduction in crime, a 17% fall in anti-social behaviour and had seen the community engaged in this issue. 

RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Cabinet agreed to:

1)  Consider the outcomes of the consultation on the Public Space Protection Order to restrict street drinking in Midsomer Norton, as set out in Appendix 1

2)  Consider the legal criteria for adopting a PSPO, as set out in Paragraph 4 of this report, and particularly the test set out in paragraph 4.1

3)  In the light of 2.1. and 2.2  above make the Midsomer Norton Order as set out in Appendix 2 of the report

4)  Request the Head of Legal Services  or an authorised signatory on her behalf to sign and seal the Midsomer Norton Order

5)  Request the Divisional Director for Strategy and Performance to undertake further work to update signage and other publicity relating to any agreed Order and ensure the impact of the PSPO is kept under review

6)  Request the Community Safety Partnership to receive regular monitoring reports on the impact of the PSPO, including equalities impacts and updates on support available for people with alcohol problems including street drinkers

7)  Thank those who were involved in the consultation process, and in particular Midsomer Norton Town Council, and publicise the outcomes of the consultation

8)  Undertake consultation under Section 72 of the Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 on extending the PSPO recommended in 2.3 to the areas identified in paragraph 5.11, and prepare a report to Cabinet with recommendations following this consultation.