THE public are being asked for their views on new moves to protect Middlesbrough’s cemeteries.
The Council is looking to create a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for all Council run cemeteries and the town’s crematorium.
And now the public have six weeks to have their say on the proposals before the order comes into force.
The order would cover Teesside Crematorium and Acklam, Linthorpe, Thorntree, Thorntree Roman Catholic and North Ormesby/St Joseph’s combined cemeteries.
A PSPO is a new order created under the 2014 Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act to tackle nuisances and problems in a specific location that are detrimental to the quality of life of the local community
The following restrictions are being proposed for Middlesbrough’s PSPO:
- All dogs within the designated areas must be kept on a lead, with a maximum length of 2 metres at all times
- All fouling be removed forthwith unless the person in charge of the dog can show a reasonable excuse for failing to do so. Being unaware of the fouling or not have means to remove the faeces will not be seen as a reasonable excuse
- Prohibit the use or encourage others to use threatening, insulting or abusive words or behaviour
- Prohibit the congregation of a group of more than three people where the behaviour of the group as a whole causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm and distress
- Prohibit the possession of any unsealed container containing alcohol.
- Prohibit the possession of any Class A, B or C class drug and/or will not be under the influence of any drug.
- Prohibit threatening behaviour, intimidation, use or offer violence towards any person.
- Prohibit lighting or attempting to light fires or inciting or encouraging any other person or persons to light or attempt to light fires.
Following public consultation, the proposal will be considered by the Council’s Executive and if approved will replace any existing local provisions such as Dog Control Orders.
Councillor Julia Rostron, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Adult Health and Social Care, said: “Our cemeteries and the crematorium are places of quiet reflection and remembrance, which people have a right to enjoy free from anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
“The Public Spaces Protection Order is designed to uphold that right, with a number of conditions which apply to everyone.
“Thankfully instances are relatively rare, but the aim of the order is to strengthen our ability to stop individuals or groups from committing a range of anti-social behaviour in public spaces.
“Where necessary it will enable enforcement action to be undertaken by Council officers, police officers and PCSOs.”
- Consultation on the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) runs for six weeks until midnight on Sunday, August 7. To take part, visit http://consult.middlesbrough.gov.uk/public/environment/pspo
Comments can also be submitted in writing to Karen Larkin, Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), Community Protection, Vancouver House, Gurney Street, Middlesbrough TS1 1JL