Council seeks views on proposed Public Spaces Protection Order for Parkhouse Court, Hatfield
WHBC is inviting residents, businesses and visitors to have their say on a proposed PSPO for the area around Parkhouse Court in Hatfield, including nearby shops, residential blocks and public spaces.
The proposed PSPO is being considered in response to persistent anti-social behaviour in the area, and the consultation aims to understand local concerns in more detail and hear views on whether a PSPO is the right approach to help tackle the issues being experienced.
A PSPO is a legal power that can be used to help tackle behaviours that have a negative impact on the local community’s quality of life. If introduced, it could give authorised officers and Hertfordshire Constabulary additional tools to help address anti-social behaviour within the designated area.
Concerns raised include alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in public spaces, drug use, aggressive begging and public urination and defecation, all of which are affecting people who live, work and spend time in the area.
Councillor Jane Quinton, Executive Member for Environment, said:
"Anti-social behaviour can have a real impact on people's daily lives, affecting how safe they feel and how they use local spaces. We want to make sure that any action we take is both effective and proportionate, which is why hearing directly from residents, businesses and visitors is so important.
"This consultation is an opportunity for local people to tell us about their experiences and help shape how we respond to the issues in the area."
Welwyn Hatfield Chief Inspector Chris Rutter said:
“We know that the Parkhouse Court area is causing to concern to local residents and we’ve been working hard to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and drug use there. This has included regular patrols and just yesterday, we secured a closure order on a property that was causing a particular nuisance.
“Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) give the police more powers to deal with ASB. We already have PSPOs successfully in place in South Hatfield (High View), Welwyn Garden City town centre and Hatfield town centre. It’s important that residents take part in this consultation so we can understand more about your concerns and find the best ways to solve these. Together with our local partners and agencies, we will do everything we can to resolve the issues currently being faced by those who live and work in the area.”
Residents, businesses and visitors can take part in the consultation online at welhat.gov.uk/parkhouse-court-pspo before 11:59pm on Sunday 26 July. Feedback will be carefully considered alongside evidence gathered by the council and its partners before a decision is made on whether to introduce the PSPO.
Consultation documents are also available at the council offices.