COUNCIL chiefs have urged Worcester residents to make their voices heard in a review of powers to combat anti-social behaviour in the city.
Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) are used by local councils to protect the public from behaviour that can have a detrimental effect on people’s quality of life. PSPOs have to be reviewed every three years.
Worcester’s PSPOs cover dogs, alcohol and potentially disruptive behaviour in the city centre.
Coun Neil Laurenson, vice chair of the City Council’s Communities Committee, said: “This is an important process to make sure we can assess residents’ opinions of the PSPOs we currently have in place, their effectiveness and their future.
“I would urge people who live or work in Worcester to have their say at www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit.”
PSPOs are part of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
An Alcohol PSPO is currently in force in Worcester city centre, Blackpole Industrial Estate, Gheluvelt Park, Shap Drive, Brickfields Playing Fields and Rose Avenue.
This PSPO gives powers to the police to stop individuals if they are causing a nuisance and confiscate alcohol from them.
There is also a PSPO in the city centre covering three categories of potentially anti-social behaviour –aggressive begging, dangerous skateboarding and cycling, and intentionally feeding gulls.
Dangerous skateboarding and cycling includes travelling at excessive speed or without due care and attention in such a way that risks injury to others.
The third PSPO currently in force in Worcester is regarding dog control, and it covers the entire city.
This order requires dog owners to clean up after their pets.
In addition it also prohibits dogs from being taken into any area where they are specifically not allowed, and stipulates that no more than four dogs may be under the supervision of one person.
A person who fails to comply with the PSPOs could face a fine of up to £70.
Worcester residents are being urged to take part in the survey at www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit before Sunday, November 27.
Printed copies of the survey are also available in English or another language from [email protected] or by calling 01905 722233.
A series of engagement events are also being held as part of the consultation.
These will be advertised at the locations involved and also on the Community Worcester social media channels
