Councillor Adam Jogee, the Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion, met on Monday 18 March 2024 to discuss proposals for two Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs). The meeting resulted in the approval to consult on a borough-wide PSPO aimed at tackling alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and other detrimental activities, and the approval of a PSPO to restrict access to a specific area at the south entrance of Finsbury Park through the installation of fencing and gates.

Haringey Borough-Wide Public Space Protection Order

The Cabinet Member approved a 12-week public consultation on a proposed borough-wide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). This order aims to address anti-social behaviour (ASB) across Haringey, with a particular focus on alcohol-related nuisance and other detrimental activities.

The decision to consult on a borough-wide PSPO stems from the current fragmented approach to alcohol control PSPOs across Haringey's wards, which has led to issues of displacement and confusion for residents. Neighbouring boroughs already have borough-wide provisions, creating a disparity that encourages such activities to move into Haringey.

A co-design consultation process, involving residents and stakeholders, indicated strong support for a borough-wide PSPO. Key findings from this process revealed that:

• 79% of respondents favoured a borough-wide alcohol control PSPO.
• Over 70% of respondents agreed with including prohibitions on:
  • Causing harassment, alarm, or distress through anti-social behaviour.
  • Urinating, defecating, spitting, or littering in public places.
  • Misusing or possessing drug paraphernalia.
  • Riding mopeds or motorbikes in a manner that causes alarm or distress.
  • Smoking in children's play areas.
  • Misusing illegal substances or marijuana.
  • Starting open fires or BBQs in green spaces without permission.

The proposed PSPO would cover a range of activities including alcohol-related nuisance, drug use, harassment, alarm or distress, riding mopeds/e-scooters on pavements, dog fouling, urinating/defecating/spitting, and lighting fireworks in public spaces without a licence. The consultation will run from 25 March 2024 to 14 June 2024, with extensive engagement planned through online surveys, hard copy distribution, pop-up events, and outreach to community groups.

Finsbury Park South Entrance Public Space Protection Order

Councillor Jogee also approved the implementation of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the area adjacent to the south entrance of Finsbury Park on Seven Sisters Road. This decision follows a consultation period and aims to address persistent anti-social behaviour and criminal activity in this specific location.

The area in question has been identified as problematic due to its layout, which includes a narrow line of sight and a transition from nearby amenities like Lidl supermarket into an open space. This has facilitated unlawful activities without easy detection. The lack of clear ownership, signage, and parking restrictions has contributed to the misuse of the space, including moped parking on pavements, with many riders allegedly involved in drug supply.

The proposed solution involves installing fencing with controlled gates around this specific area. This measure, funded by the Metropolitan Police¹, is designed to restrict access, reduce crime and ASB, and improve feelings of safety, particularly for women. The fencing and gates will be designed to be visually permeable and similar in appearance to existing park railings, with the gates being removable to allow for legitimate use during events, deliveries, or if crime levels decrease.

The consultation on this specific PSPO received 154 responses. While 61% were in favour, objections were raised concerning the potential negative aesthetic impact of the fencing, the displacement of ASB to other areas, and the possibility of the fenced-off area becoming a litter receptacle. Concerns were also raised about pedestrian flow and the impact on existing uses of the space, such as a food bank. The council has addressed these concerns by clarifying that the fencing will not restrict access to the park itself, will maintain adequate pedestrian space, and that the gates can be removed. The Metropolitan Police's Crime Prevention Team has also provided recommendations, believing the fencing and gating strategy offers an adaptable solution to disrupt drug and ASB activities.