Have say on extending ‘anti-social behaviour orders’

bitterne precinct GP 23 6 21 600px inc red lion P1020219The council is consulting on extending Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in five city areas for another three years “as part of its efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour”, including street drinking.

 

Article continues after this message...

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) give police additional powers to tackle street drinking, including the ability to seize and dispose of alcohol being consumed within designated areas.

A PSPO can last for up to three years, after which it must be reviewed. If the review supports an extension and other requirements are satisfied, it may be extended for up to a further three years. There is no limit on the number of times an Order may be reviewed and renewed.

PSPOs aren’t without their critics, with some concerned about possible ‘mission creep’, undemocratic regulation on democratic behaviour, and “an attempt to criminalise poverty”. There was even a petition against them in Southampton in 2016.

The consultation proposes that the current boundaries are to be extended for a further three years from 2022 in:

  • Bitterne
  • City centre
  • Portswood
  • Shirley
  • Woolston

bitterne precinct GP 23 6 21 600px inc red lion P1020219Bitterne Precinct. Bitterne is one of the PSPO areas

Cllr Spiros Vassiliou, cabinet member for communities, culture & heritage said: “We know from working with Hampshire Constabulary, and the feedback we receive from members of the public, that street drinking remains a problem in commercial centres and public parks. Anti-social behaviour is a complex issue, and the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is one of the tools used by police officers and our community safety teams to tackle activities that adversely affects communities, the environment, and businesses in the city. Now is the time to have your say on whether to extend the controls on street drinking for a further three years.”

“We are interested to hear about any ways in which the proposals could affect you or others and any alternatives you feel we should consider,” said the council.

The survey is open until Friday February 18, 2022 and can be completed here.

Previously
PSPOs: solving problems or 'criminalising poverty'?
Petition opposes public space protection orders in Southampton

Please help us keep publishing - for less than the cost of a 'posh' coffee a month... 

WE'RE READER POWERED! Our local news is currently free to view, but not to produce. Join people just like you who already chip in to keep our site going by becoming a 'Good Friend' supporter for just £2.50 a month (less than the price of most 'posh' coffees) - or more if you can.

Use the subscribe button below using a debit or credit card securely via PayPal. You don't need a PayPal account - just use the "Pay with Debit or Credit Card' option, when you click the 'Subscribe' button below, on the next screen. There's no obligation to open a PayPal account. Or use your existing PayPal account if you prefer. Or even better, contact us to set up a standing order so we get all your sub rather than PayPal taking a percentage.

Click here for other options/to set up a standing order - and help us keep on keeping on.

It's appreciated!

Friend Options

 

Alternatively make a one-off donation here - you don't need a PayPal account for this option either.