Public Spaces Protection Order now in place at Parkhouse Court, Hatfield

A new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) has today (Monday 24 August) come into force at Parkhouse Court in Hatfield, giving Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (WHBC) and Hertfordshire Constabulary additional powers to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour in the area.

The PSPO covers Parkhouse Court and surrounding shops, residential blocks and public spaces and will remain in place for three years. It has been introduced in response to ongoing concerns about anti-social behaviour in the area, including alcohol-related incidents, drug use, aggressive begging and public urination and defecation.

Under the PSPO, restrictions are in place to tackle behaviours including drinking alcohol in public, aggressive begging, loitering around pay machines, public urination and defecation. Full details of the PSPO, including the area covered and the specific restrictions, are available on the council’s website.

The order gives the police and authorised council officers additional powers to act where the PSPO is breached, including issuing Fixed Penalty Notices where appropriate. Signs are being installed throughout the area to make people aware that they are entering a PSPO zone and to clearly set out the restrictions in place.

The introduction of the PSPO follows a public consultation carried out by the council in July, which found strong support for the proposals, with 92% of respondents supporting its introduction. WHBC’s Cabinet approved the PSPO at its meeting on 11 August.

Councillor Jane Quinton, Executive Member for Environment, said:

“We want everyone to feel safe and comfortable when living, working or spending time in Parkhouse Court, and the introduction of the PSPO is an important step in tackling anti-social behaviour. The overwhelming support for the PSPO during our consultation shows how important this issue is locally.

 

“I would again like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views. We will continue working closely with the police and our partners to help make Parkhouse Court a safer, cleaner and more welcoming place for everyone.”

Welwyn Hatfield Chief Inspector Chris Rutter said:

“Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey and share their views. We know that issues at Parkhouse Court have been a concern for residents for some time, and it was important that we worked closely with our local authority and community partners to deliver a coordinated response.

 

“We are committed to making the area safer for those who live, work and visit there. The introduction of the Public Spaces Protection Order will provide us with additional powers to tackle anti-social behaviour and address the issues that matter most to local people. Alongside increased patrols in the area, anyone found breaching the order can expect appropriate enforcement action to be taken.”

If residents or local businesses witness anti-social behaviour or breaches of the PSPO, they should report them to the police using the non-emergency number 101.