Agenda item

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Recommendations:-

1. That approval be given for a consultation be carried out proposing a Public Space Protection order based on the conditions contained in this report and specifically section 3.

2. That Cabinet receive a further report in June 2019, which considers the outcomes and conclusions drawn from the consultation alongside the evidence referenced in this report and completed equality impact assessment, for a final decision to be made.

Consideration was given to the report which introduced a potential Public Space Protection Order for the area surrounding Fitzwilliam Road, within Rotherham East, as a part of the Eastwood Deal with evidence available to support potential implementation, alongside a proposed process to meet the legal requirement in relation to due process, including statutory consultation.

This would be the second Public Space Protection Order; the first of which being in the town centre and whose area bordered onto Fitzwilliam Road.  There were similar issues affecting both areas so it was important that there was not displacement from one area to another.

Ward Councillors were thanked for their neighbourhood working and engagement with residents and how best the common complaints could be tackled through statutory process enforcement.

There were a number of proposals for consideration within the Public Space Protection Order for the Fitzwilliam Road area, as a result of reports, anecdotal information, public and officer feedback in the area:-

·                Restrictions on alcohol

·                Restriction on use of foul and abusive language.

·                Vehicle nuisance.

·                Requirements around maintaining gardens in a condition that does not impact on the quality of life of those in the locality.

·                Restricted access to open spaces/groups of people at certain times (Eldon Rd fields, Pocket Park).

·                On-street noise that is likely to cause a disturbance.  Excessive Noise emanating from properties

·                Requirement for business to maintain a tidy curtilage.

The process of consultation would require discussion with key stakeholders, such as the Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner, alongside interested groups, the public and residents in the area to see how they felt about these measures and the issues in the area.

The consultation would cover a range of methods including traditional surveys, weekly drop-ins at various locations, face to face contact with community organisations that operate in the area, press releases and would involve discussing further with Ward Members about what it should cover and how this would fit in with neighbourhood working to fully engage with residents

In terms of that consultation this was a very diverse population so translation and language barriers would need to be factored in to ensure everyone in the area engaged in the consultation

A further report would then be brought back to Cabinet in June, 2019 for a decision with implementation as soon as possible thereafter.

Resolved:-  (1)  That consultation proposing a Public Space Protection Order based on the conditions contained in this report and specifically Section 3 be approved.

(2)  That a further report be submitted in June 2019, to consider the outcomes and conclusions drawn from the consultation alongside the evidence referenced in this report and completed equality impact assessment, for a final decision to be made.