A comprehensive series of hard-hitting new measures to protect residents and public spaces from anti-social behaviour is to be introduced.
The proposals are designed to rid public spaces of rowdy and unpleasant behaviour so residents feel safe in their communities.
Street drinking, rubbish dumping, off-road biking and cycling in pedestrian areas will all become punishable by fines of up to £1,000.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “There are many beautiful towns and villages across North Lincolnshire, lovely places where people feel comfortable and safe.
“There are some areas where inconsiderate people behave in ways which we should not tolerate. It might be isolated but the impact is significant and where we can equip the council and partners with new powers we will.
“Anti-social behaviour is a blight on people’s lives and need to know that it will not be tolerated here.”
The proposed new measures form part of a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) North Lincolnshire Council plans to declare for the whole of the county.
A current PSPO expires in October and is planned to be replaced with an updated order of 19 prohibited activities.
The PSPO will give the police and council enforcement officers further powers to tackle street drinking and drug use, prostitution, drug-dealing, littering, excess noise and other incidents that create nuisance or distress.
The 19 proposed prohibitions include:
- Refusing to stop drinking in a public place when asked to do so
- Not carrying the means to pick up dog mess if walking a dog
- Street begging
- Causing a nuisance by riding a motor bike or quad bike
- Gathering in vehicles in a way that may cause harassment, alarm or distress
- Performing stunts in a vehicle, such as doughnutting or handbrake turns
- Swimming in open water after being asked to stop
- Not putting household waste in relevant bins.
The public can have their say on the proposed plans by filling in an online consultation form. More information is available on our consultations and surveys page.
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for Scunthorpe, Ashby and Bottesford, said: “We are working closely with partners to ensure people feel safe and well in their own homes and their own communities.
“Where we need to provide further weapons in the armoury we will. We really want to hear from as many people as possible about the new measures we are looking to implement.”
The new proposals will enable the council to work with residents and put areas of most concern at the forefront of its anti-social behaviour policy.
Breaching a PSPO without a reasonable excuse is an offence punishable by a fine of up to £1,000, followed by court proceedings if the fine is not paid.
The consultation will close on 26 September 2021 and people do not need to provide any personal details to take part.
