News Have your say on measures to reduce antisocial behaviour
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) would like to know people’s views on a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which applies to Maidstone Town Centre and gives the Council powers to stop antisocial behaviour.
In 2017 MBC introduced a PSPO that allowed The Council to deal with measures to reduce anti-social behaviour in the town centre around alcohol and persistent begging.
The current Order covers a geographical area in the town centre, it applies for three years and runs out in September. An extension is proposed for a further three years and the Council now needs to review this.
Martyn Jeynes, Community Protection Manager said:
“We have found the PSPO to be a very effective way of tackling various aspects of anti-social behaviour associated with the two measures the PSPO specifically controls.“The PSPO is an excellent deterrent, enabling the police to advise people to modify their behaviour when drinking and behaving inappropriately. It also allows our outreach service to encourage those in need to access the appropriate support services, rather than ask for money on the street. For those whose inappropriate behaviour persisted, penalty notices and prosecutions have been pursued, however this is for a small minority as compliance with the PSPO has been very good.
“Through feedback we receive we know that anti-social behaviour can detrimentally affect people's quality of life and we want to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy public spaces in our town centre and that they are safe and welcoming places to visit.
“Please let us know your views by completing the survey as this will give us a clear picture of how antisocial behaviour is viewed and if we are dealing with it in the best way.”
The survey takes around six minutes to complete and closes on Friday 7 August 2020. To take the survey visit: https://wh.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=159230294091or visit https://www.maidstone.gov.uk/ and search ‘consultations’.