Purpose

Renewal of the PSPO No. of 2022
covering the Southend seafront and adjacent areas for a period of 3
years, which is due to expire on 11th July
2025.

Content

That the current Southend City Centre,
Seafront and adjoining areas Public Spaces Protection Order (No 2)
be extended for a for a further 3 years.

Reasons for the decision

The 2022 PSPO is currently due to expire on
11th July 2025. It is recommended that the PSPO be extended from
12th July 2025 for a period of 3 years which will also ensure the
timeline of this PSPO coincides with the other Southend City
Council PSPOs. 
 
The PSPO provides authorised council officers
with tools to tackle ASB within the current restricted area.
 
The 2022 PSPO forms part of the Operation
Union toolkit designed to address anti-social behaviour and crime
in high profile foreshore areas across the City of Southend.
 
Extension of the PSPO will enable continued
necessary control of relevant matters relating to the behaviours
listed and the ability for officers to issue Fixed Penalty Notices
where breaches of the Order are witnessed and those responsible are
identified.
 
Officer remain satisfied that there has been
and continues to be sufficient evidence to meet the legal test and
that these behaviours have a continued detrimental impact on the
identified localities.

Alternative options considered

Not to extend the 2022 PSPO. This would result
in the current PSPO expiring at midnight on 11th July
2025, and this enforcement power would no longer be available to
Essex Police and the Council’s authorised officers for
tackling ASB in the restricted area. This option is not recommended
as the continued existence of the PSPO enables appropriate
enforcement and acts as a deterrent.