Melton Borough Council seeks residents’ views on the extension of the Public Space Protection Order
Melton Borough Council is looking extend the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) that will expire on 31 December 2022.
The order was introduced in January 2020, to give more authoritative powers to help both the Police and the council to tackle anti-social behaviour and dog control.
The original order was developed in response to residents’ complaints regarding dog fouling, out of control dogs who are off their lead and dogs inside children’s play areas.
Since coming into force the council has been able to undertake spots checks on dog walkers to assess whether they have waste disposal bags, ensure dogs are not allowed in many of the play parks in the borough, and issue Fixed Penalty Notices for dog fouling offences. The council is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and those breeching one of the articles in the PSPO while they are in force can be prosecuted or receive a fine.
The council is consulting with the public to ensure the PSPO is still fit for purpose and viewed as a valuable part of tackling dog control in the borough.
The four articles in the order are:
1. Dog Fouling in specified areas
2. Failing to produce a device or other means of removing dog faeces on demand
3. Dogs on Lead by Direction
4. Dog Exclusion in Enclosed Children’s Play Areas
The consultation will run from 15 July until midnight on 7 October 2022. If the decision is made to extend the orders, they will run for another three years until December 2025.
Cllr Malise Graham, Portfolio Holder for People and Communities said: “We made a commitment to invest in enforcement and tackle issues important to those in our community. These powers that are currently in place help us and our partners tackle anti-social behaviour within Melton, enabling us to enforce the order and ensure residents are undertaking responsible dog ownership.
"Over the past three years it has been a positive step to help us achieve a clean and attractive environment for the community of Melton Borough and to those who choose to visit us. I hope members in our community see the value of the order and I encourage them to engage in the consultation to share their views on the proposed extension.”
The draft order can be found on Melton Borough Council’s website along with the survey link at www.melton.gov.uk/consultations. There will also be a hard copy available in the Council Office reception area for residents to view along with paper copies of the survey.
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For more information please contact:
Communications@melton.gov.uk