A new Public Space Protection Order is shaped by residents' views submitted in consultation
A consultation on a new public order to keep public spaces safe, has identified the need to tackle anti-social behaviour at hot spots across Tonbridge and Malling.
More than 90 responses were submitted by residents via an online questionnaire. Nuisance associated with car/motorbike meetings was repeatedly raised along with unauthorised use of waterways. Many respondents gave their own experiences of the nuisance caused by these activities and how this had affected their quality of life.
Residents’ views have helped shape the new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which prohibits these and other activities either across the borough or at specific locations. The order gives council officers powers to issue fixed penalty notices of £100 to anyone found breaching rules.
The additions to the existing order, which were first introduced in 2017, mean new borough-wide restrictions on nuisance parking in public open spaces and car or motorcycle meets. They also impose a ban on anti-social behaviour associated with fishing at Tonbridge Town Lock, and on swimming, boating and bathing at Holborough Lakes, near Snodland, following complaints from residents.
Existing restrictions include a ban on barbeques, camping and swimming in country parks and a requirement to cease drinking alcohol in public when asked by an authorised officer to do so.
The new PSPO will be presented to councillors at the Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee on 8 February before going to Cabinet in March. The new rules come into force from April.
Cllr Matt Boughton, Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, said: ‘The new PSPO puts residents’ concerns at the heart of our response to anti-social behaviour and gives us the flexibility to deal with any situation. Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to the consultation. It’s provided a valuable insight into people’s experiences of anti-social behaviour in the borough and the changes we’ve made are in direct response to concerns that have been raised.
‘We are determined to use all the tools at our disposal to make sure people do not have to put up with anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhoods.’