Havant Borough Council's Cabinet (Wednesday 6 March) approved proposals to update its Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) following a consultation with residents.
PSPOs are used to tackle public nuisance issues or problems that have a negative impact on residents' quality of life in council-owned parks, public spaces and town centres, by imposing conditions on the use of the area. They enable residents and visitors to use and enjoy these public spaces knowing they are protected by these measures.
Two consultations, which ran in succession between September and December 2023, received more than 1,000 responses between them. The first relates to the prevention of feeding pigeons in Waterlooville town centre, followed by the control of dogs across the whole of the Borough of Havant.
Most respondents felt the council's approach to PSPOs was clear and in both consultations, more than 75 per cent felt that the draft PSPOs covered the major issues and gave clear indication in favour of renewing the current measures for three years.
The renewal of both orders will come into force on Wednesday 1 May, and will expire, unless a variation is required, on Friday 30 April 2027.
The order preventing the feeding of birds in Waterlooville Precinct will continue to control the nuisance created by feral pigeons and the impact they have on local residents and businesses.
The Public Spaces Protection Order for dog controls includes:
- Exclusion of dogs (in specific areas, such as children’s play areas)
- Fouling of land by dogs and the removal of dog faeces
- Dogs on leads
- Dogs on leads by direction
Police, council officers and officers authorised by the council can enforce the conditions of PSPOs, and failure to comply is an offence and could result in a fine of up to £1,000.
Havant Borough Council’s Cabinet lead for Communities and Housing, Councillor Gwen Robinson, said: “The vast majority of residents are responsible people, unfortunately there are some who act in a way which causes a nuisance. Cabinets’ approval of the 2 PSPO’s will ensure we have the authority to take action if necessary.”
Our Corporate Strategy outlines three themes of wellbeing, pride in place and growth. Our pride in place theme aspiration is centred on creating a great place to live, work and enjoy. By improving our public spaces and enforcing PSPOs will help us to address long standing issues.
To find out more about Public Space Protection Orders, visit www.havant.gov.uk/PSPO