New laws to tackle nuisance behaviour in Mansfield with a hard hitting new order

Residents are invited to have their say on plans to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Mansfield district.

The order, under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, is designed to prevent anti-social behaviour in streets, parks, market places and retail parks.

Dog-walkers could soon be fined £100 on the spot if they fail to carry a bag or container with them to pick up dog mess.

Councillor Mick Barton, portfolio holder for public protection at Mansfield District Council, said: “We want as many residents as possible to enjoy our open spaces and to feel safe when visiting them.

“The proposed order is designed to prevent anti-social behaviour and we would like as many people as possible to have their say now so that an order can be successfully implemented early in the new year.”

The PSPO would replace existing orders such as dog control and also tackle issues of drinking alcohol, urination, defecation and spitting in public places.

It would ban smoking in children’s play areas and restrict access in designated areas for groups of two or more people behaving in an anti-social way.

The PSPO will introduce powers to disperse in the town centre and Nottingham Road Leisure Park. It also will prevent access over a public highway at Alfred Court,

The aim is to deal with all the issues under one order to reduce crime and disorder and keep areas clean.

It would extend the powers authorised officers have to tackle dog fouling.

Under the new order, it would be an offence to fail to produce bags for picking up dog mess.

If anyone fails to meet the requirements of the order or comply with a request from a police officer, a police community support officer (PCSO) or authorised council officer, they could receive a £100 fixed penalty notice or be prosecuted.

Further details of the proposed order including maps can be viewed in the council offices, Civic Centre, Chesterfield Road South, Mansfield NG19 7BH and also at Mansfield Library, Westgate, Mansfield NG18 1NH.

More details including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) can be found on the council’s website at www.mansfield.gov.uk/pspo.

Feedback and comments should be made by midnight on October 19 2015 either by writing to the Community Safety Manager at the Civic Centre or by email to [email protected].

Alternatively, complete a feedback form online at www.mansfield.gov.uk/pspo.

Any comments received after midnight on October 19 will not be taken into account.

Earlier this year, Chad reported that a similar order had been put in place in Shirebrook town centre following complaints about drunken behaviour and intimidation from some residents.