What is a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)?
The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 introduced Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO's). PSPOs are used to protect the public from behaviour that is having, or is likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in a locality and which is (or is likely to be) of a persistent or continuing nature, and unreasonable. Councils can make PSPOs to prohibit specified activities, and/or to require certain things to be done by people engaged in particular activities, within a defined area.
Why is this needed in Stratford-upon-Avon?
Stratford-on-Avon District Council works in partnership with many statutory partners, including Warwickshire Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner and local councils, to prevent crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour (ASB). Over the last three years, the Council and Police have received an increasing number of reports from residents regarding alcohol related anti-social behaviour in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire.
The behaviour reported to the Council and Warwickshire Police will include a condition -
• Not to cause anti-social behaviour anywhere within Stratford Town Centre (as defined by below map) when consuming or possessing alcohol.
The Council have held discussions with Warwickshire Police regarding the criminal and anti-social behaviour taking place in Stratford-upon-Avon, to look at the best way to tackle it. From these discussions, the Council believes that a PSPO is an appropriate and necessary tool for local agencies to reduce incidents of those listed above.
Proposed Public Space Protection Order
The proposed order would mean that anywhere within the boundaries of Stratford Town Centre (as defined by the map below) Police Officers, including a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) and any other person duly authorised by the Council would be able to require a person to stop drinking alcohol and surrender anything in their possession which is, or which is reasonably believed to be, alcohol or a container for alcohol. This will be done, only when anti-social behaviour is occurring, or in the reasonable belief of a Police Officer, including a Police Community Support Officer and any other person duly authorised by the Council, is likely to occur. Any person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply commits an offence and may be liable to prosecution. This order does not stop the consumption or possession of alcohol within the town centre.
Please follow link to view the proposed draft order - PSPO Stratford alcohol draft order
What is the area to be covered by the PSPO?
The proposed boundary of PSPO would cover Stratford Town Centre (see map below for proposed area) As part of the consultation, the Council will also take into account the requirements under the Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998. This legislation includes the right to lawful assembly, and the right to freedom of expression.
Have your say - Stratford PSPO consultation survey
Stratford-on-Avon Council is required to consult or notify you of any proposals to make Public Space Protection Orders. The Council would value your opinion in relation to this proposed order. As a part of the consultation process it is important that we listen to the views of as many people as possible.
To complete the short survey please follow this link - Stratford PSPO alcohol online survey/consultation
The closing date of the consultation is 8th May 2024.
