BARNSLEY residents who live near the town centre where a ‘banning order’ is in place to stop antisocial behaviour have been urged to have their say on plans to extend it.
Paul Brannan, head of Barnsley Council’s Safer Neighbourhood Service which works in conjunction with the police to implement the public space protection order (PSPO), has appealed to the public this week ahead of the consultation’s end next month.
PSPOs are designed to deal with problematic behaviour in a particular area and allow councils to introduce restrictions on the use of the area to make sure that people can enjoy the space, safe from antisocial behaviour.
The order was brought in across the town centre and some residential streets in 2016, focusing on Barnsley Interchange and Peel Square before it was extended to cover McDonald’s and Asda off Old Mill Lane.
“The public consultation will run until December 9 and may lead to new conditions being added to the PSPO based on which issues are marked as being of most concern to residents and businesses,” Paul told the Chronicle.
“It’s a 40-day consultation so it’s open now, but we really want the public’s thoughts as the original PSPO was borne out of their concerns.”
Although antisocial behaviour remains the main purpose of the order despite a 21 per cent decrease in the town centre since its arrival other issues recently reported to the police and council such as peddling and begging could also be included.
The current PSPO is due to end in March 2019 but could be extended for another three years until 2022. According to police figures, there were 8,722 antisocial behaviour-related incidents reported in 2017 a reduction from the previous year’s 10,920 which represents a 21 per cent decrease.
Environmental-based antisocial behaviour, such as vandalism and graffiti, topped the list with 5,975 reports last year a 15 per cent reduction of the 2016 stats.
The biggest decrease was noted in incidents classed as ‘personal’ which includes everything from congregating gangs to verbal abuse. Those incidents saw a 39 per cent decrease.
Coun Jenny Platts said: “We want the views of as many local people as possible to help form the future of the PSPO to keep the town centre vibrant and make it a safe place to live, work and visit.
“Feedback from the consultation will be analysed and used to inform the decision about how to progress the PSPO and make sure it is fit for purpose for the years to come.
“Barnsley is steeped in history and has a lot to offer award-winning parks, free museums, famous markets offering excellent local produce and a great selection of places to drink, eat and be entertained.
“This is set to get even better as the town centre redevelopment progresses, and we want to make sure Barnsley remains a great place to live, work and visit.”
Visit barnsleycouncil.smartconsultations.co.uk to have your say.
