Renewed public order targeting anti-social behaviour in Mansfield just ‘one tool’ in keeping town safe
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However, a leading council official says the order is just ‘one tool’ in a raft of intervention measures used by the authority to clamp down on public offences – with staff hoping they “never have to use it”.
The public spaces protection order grants council officers and the police the ability to fine people if found committing a number of wide-reaching offences.
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Hide AdThis includes a ban on street drinking and restrictions on cycling through parts of the town centre, as well as begging, public urination and dog fouling across various areas of the district.
Other parts of the order include continued powers to move people on when being anti-social in public spaces, as well as preventing dogs from being let off leads in public parks and play areas.
These offences have been included in a district-wide PSPO since 2019, but now the authority is renewing its terms for a further three years and adding new offences to the order.
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Hide AdThe land, near Eakring Road, is a popular path for hikers and dog walkers, but has been plagued by longstanding problems with off-road vehicles and motorcyclists using its sandy terrain.
The council says these motorists have been ‘putting the safety of [residents] … at risk’ and, following a consultation earlier this year, found the majority of respondents were supportive of the move.
Coun Marion Bradshaw, council portfolio holder for safer communities, was today, Friday, August 19, due to take an executive decision to progress with the order.
In the recommendation, she will call for members of the full council meeting – which includes all councillors on the authority – to green-light the order next month.