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RESOLVED: that
Cabinet:
a)   
Approved the variation to the Public Spaces
Protection Order (PSPO) to also cover the Northampton area of West
Northamptonshire Council administrative area and include the
requirement that dogs must be on leads at all times at Upton
Country Park Phase 2 and also in Northampton Town Centre and for
the varied Order to remain in force for the remaining term until
October 2025. Maps showing the extent of the variation to cover the
Northampton area and also Upton Country Park Phase 2 and
Northampton Town Centre are appended to this report as Appendix
D-J.
b)   
Resolved that the draft varied PSPO at Appendix C
shall be made by the Council.
 
REASONS RESOLVED:
Without the
variation:
•     
It is expected that incidents of dog and smoking
related anti-social behaviour will increase in the
locality.
•     
Enforcement of the anti-social behaviour is made
more difficult.
•     
Incidents of displacement of the anti-social
behaviour may increase.
 
The variation:
•     
Has been well supported in the public consultation -
see Appendix A.
•     
Is considered an appropriate and proportionate
response to dog control and smoking related issues in the
locality.
•     
Will bring alignment of requirements and consistency
for residents who live, work and visit public open spaces across
the whole of West Northamptonshire.
•     
Will allow for consistent messaging, improve
education and compliance thereby reducing incidents of anti-social
behaviour in the locality.
•     
Takes steps towards achieving some of the councils
Corporate Strategy priorities – Clean and Green, Thriving
Villages and Towns and Improved Life Chances.
 
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS:
The Committee could choose to
accept and implement parts of the varied Order to cover
Northampton.
 
This is not recommended due to
the same issues as stated in the report. If it were then deemed
that further measures need to be introduced at a later date, this
would involve undertaking another lengthy statutory consultation
process followed by a lengthy implementation process, additional
printing and siting of extra signage. This would be an inefficient
use of resource and may damage the reputation of the Council. This
may lead to an increased detrimental effect on the quality of life
of those in the locality.