The Environment and Sustainability Scrutiny Committee sought Cabinet approval for the extensions and variation of some existing Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) areas to include anti-social behaviour (ASB) restrictions and on introducing a number of new areas within the county borough.
Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) were introduced by the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and are used by local authorities to deal with anti-social behaviour problems in a geographical area by imposing conditions on the use of an area. The aim of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is to ensure that the law abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces, free from anti-social behaviour.
At its meeting of 22nd June 2021, Environmental and Sustainability Scrutiny Committee endorsed a proposed public consultation on proposed extension and amendments to the existing PSPOs for ASB and drinking alcohol in a public place and introducing a number of new areas. A public consultation was launched on 23rd July for a period of 6 weeks. The consultation outcome and proposed Orders were considered by Environment and Sustainability Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 26th October 2021.
Within the comments of the survey some respondents suggested additional areas that they would like to see covered by a PSPO. All of these suggestions were investigated appropriately, and Police call data analysed to determine sufficient evidence to justify establishing a PSPO. On this basis it is proposed that the following areas will be added to the list of new areas to be covered by a PSPO:
- Hengoed Railway Station
- Birchgrove, Tirphil, New Tredegar
- Rhymney Library Car Park
- Pengam Eco Park including Dylan Avenue
- Crosskeys Train Station
- Risca Road, Crosskeys
Cllr Nigel George, Cabinet Member for Environment and Neighbourhood Services commented, “Anti-social behaviour relating to street drinking continues to blight many of our communities and CCBC are taking a tough stance by introducing a number of PSPOs in areas that have been brought to our attention by The Environment and Sustainability Scrutiny Committee.
“Ultimately, the safety of residents is our priority and we aim to ensure that the law-abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces, free from anti-social behaviour.”
