Measures extended to tackle anti-social behaviour in County Durham
Durham County Council has four Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in place across the county.
These are designed to tackle issues caused by irresponsible dog ownership; ban the drinking of alcohol in public spaces in the city centre of Durham; control begging, urinating and the use of intoxicating substances in Durham City; and tackle anti-social behaviour in the High Force area of Teesdale.
As the orders had been introduced at different times, the authority consulted on all four PSPOs earlier this year, to bring them into line and allow them to be consulted on at the same time, every three years.
Following feedback from members of the public, all four PSPOs have now been extended until July 2028.
Cllr Tim McGuinness, Durham County Council Cabinet member for rural communities and highways, said: “We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to this consultation and have their say on the PSPOs. It is clear from the responses that our residents value the measures we have in place to tackle the issues that matter most to them.
“Although County Durham is a welcoming, friendly and safe place to live, work and visit, it is important that we do all we can to ensure it remains that way, and these PSPOs are a very effective tool in tackling issues around anti-social behaviour.
“Feedback from our consultation highlighted how much of a difference these orders have already made in helping to improve the quality of life for our communities. This extension will help us to support them going forward as we continue to tackle issues such as irresponsible dog owners, as well as poor behaviours in our city centre and beauty spots.”
The consultation highlighted strong support for the PSPOs, with 88 per cent of residents either agreeing or strongly agreeing to the PSPO around dog control. Three quarters of respondents agreed, or strongly agreed, to ban the drinking of alcohol in public spaces in Durham City.
Although the authority had proposed to allow the PSPO tackling anti-social behaviour in the High Force area of Teesdale to expire this year, a significant number of local residents strongly supported keeping the PSPO in place.
In addition to extending the PSPOs, the council has also agreed to add play areas from Monk Hesleden Parish Council, to a list of prohibited areas into the PSPO for dog control.
This includes the Blackhall Welfare Park, Hart Crescent play area, Corry Close, Shaftesbury Avenue, Hesleden play area and High Hesleden play area.
Meanwhile, the authority also sought views on whether residents would be in favour of increasing the fine when a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) is issued for breaching a PSPO, during the consultation.
The authority is in favour of increasing the amounts for FPNs in line with those issued for dropping litter, which is currently £250 for a first offence, with a maximum of £500 for any offences that follow.
Eighty per cent of those who responded either agreed or strongly agreed with this proposal, which the council is looking to implement following changes to national legislation.