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Public consultation begins for Swale Borough Council’s public spaces protection orders

Written by on 12 June 2020

People can now have their say on how their public spaces are protected.

Swale Borough Council is asking local people’s opinions on protection orders that outline how they manage certain types of anti-social behaviour, improve community safety, and create an inclusive environment.

Three types of orders are being reviewed – alcohol (areas in Leysdown, Sheerness, Faversham and Sittingbourne), dog control and gating restrictions.

The alcohol control order restricts alcohol consumption in green spaces and streets, dog controls encourage owners to keep control of their dog, clean up after them, and adhere to dog exclusion zones, and the gating control restricts access to certain alleyways.

Public spaces protection orders are already in place and have been since 2017, however the council is proposing to extend the area which restricts the consumption of alcohol within Sittingbourne and reduce the area covered in Faversham.

The gating order restriction in Sheerness and dog control measures are proposed to remain the same and be extended for a further three years.

Cllr Richard Palmer, cabinet member for community at the council, said:

“The aim of the protection orders is to create a safe and welcoming environment for everybody.

“The orders are already in place and help us manage anti-social behaviour alongside the police, to protect people who live, work and visit our seafronts and town centres.

“We are proposing some changes to the boundaries in Sittingbourne and Faversham, however everything else remains the same as they have been since the orders were introduced three years ago.

“The alcohol order restricts alcohol consumption in our green spaces and streets and helps our wardens and the police manage any anti-social behaviour exhibited by people who might be drinking irresponsibly.

“The dog control measures help our wardens promote responsible dog ownership, making sure owners clean up after their dogs, keep them on their lead in certain areas, and provide dog-free areas along the seafront.

“The gated alleyways provide a safe environment for local residents in Sheerness by restricting access to residents and emergency services only.

“We review the orders every three years, and it’s important to us that we ask local people for their opinion.

“They are an important part of the local community, and the consultation is an opportunity for you to have your say.”

The public spaces protection orders consultation is available until 31 August.

For more information about the proposed changes, or how to make a submission, visit https://swale.gov.uk/consultations-2/.

SWALE BOROUGH COUNCIL
SWALE BOROUGH COUNCIL