Purpose

Agree an extension for a further 3 years upon
expiring of the existing Public Space Protection Order (PSPO): Keep
your dog on a lead in Tilgate Park.

Content

RESOLVED

That Full Council be
recommended to extend (renew for up to a further three years)
the PSPO in the form set out in
Appendix A
of report
HCS/094
with the restricted area covering the
main lake, peace garden, lawn area, children's play area and golf
course within Tilgate Park as shown in
Appendix B
of report
HCS/094,.

That the Cabinet resolves that
the level for Fixed Penalty Notices which may be issued for a
breach of the PSPO (in the event that Full Council renews the
PSPO in the form of the draft at
Appendix A of this
report
HCS/094,) be set at
£100.

Reasons for the
Recommendations

 

a)               
The extension of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for
Tilgate Park provides a legally robust and proportionate
enforcement mechanism to uphold the Council’s rules regarding
dogs in public spaces, as published on its website. The PSPO
continues to serve as an effective tool in deterring anti-social
behaviour associated with dogs being off lead in areas where
restrictions apply.

b)               
Since its implementation in September 2022, the PSPO has enabled
authorised council officers to engage with dog owners
under Sections 67 and 68 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime
and Policing Act 2014, issuing warnings, instructions, and Fixed
Penalty Notices (FPNs) where appropriate. The enforcement data
demonstrates that the PSPO has been actively used and remains
necessary to address persistent non-compliance.

c)               
The evidence gathered over the past three years as outlined in
paragraph 4.2 confirms that the statutory conditions for renewing a
PSPO, as set out in paragraph 7.2 of this report, continue to be
met. These include the ongoing detrimental impact of certain
behaviours on the quality of life of park users, and the persistent
and unreasonable nature of those behaviours.

d)               
Renewal of the PSPO for a further three years, from 1
September 2025 to 31 August 2028, is therefore recommended to
maintain public safety, protect wildlife, and support responsible
dog ownership in Tilgate Park.