Public Spaces Protection Orders

Consultation details

North Tyneside Council developed proposals to introduce Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) in the borough. PSPOs are designed to tackle activities that have had, or are likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life of local communities. The power to make PSPOs has been brought about by new Anti-Social Behaviour legislation. Our proposals related to dog control and the consumption of alcohol in public spaces in the borough that we knew were areas of key concern for our residents. Existing controls were in place however the introduction of the new legislation provided us with an opportunity to review what we had in place.

PSPOs are available to tackle any activity that constitutes a nuisance or problem as long as the ‘reasonable grounds’ test has been met. The test is that the activity has, or is likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those living or working in the locality and the effect, or likely effect, of the activity is unreasonable. We considered that test and looked at the evidence available to us. The Council identified that it was appropriate to consider making PSPOs within specific areas. As part of the public consultation, resident engagement and feedback helped us understand whether or not our proposals were right and shaped the new PSPOs accordingly. Cabinet met on 9 October 2017 to consider the consultation responses. As a result of feedback received, the proposals were amended to remove the requirement to have a dog on a lead in parks and playing fields. This issue will be reconsidered at a later date. Following this amendment, PSPOs were subsequently introduced on 20 October 2017. The authority would like to thank everyone who shared their views as part of this engagement exercise.

Contact details

Colin MacDonald
0191 643 6620

Consultation period

Starts:
14/08/2017
Ends:
22/09/2017