Medway Council - Have Your Say on the Extension of Six Public Space Protection Orders

Medway Council is encouraging residents to have their say on the extension of six Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in Medway.

Medway Council has launched six consultations on the extension of PSPOs in Medway which are more commonly known as Alcohol Control Zones and Dog Control Orders.

Alcohol Control Zones are not blanket bans on drinking alcohol in public places within the zone, but people could be prevented from drinking alcohol if they are behaving anti-socially.

The council is consulting on extending the Alcohol Control Zones in Strood, Gillingham, Rochester and Chatham town centres for three years from 17th October 2020.

The extension of the PSPOs will not stop residents and visitors drinking alcohol in licensed premises during normal licensing hours, for example, in pubs and bars. Pubs, restaurants and off licences do not form part of the PSPO.

If someone is found drinking alcohol and behaving anti-socially in a PSPO it could be confiscated and disposed of, and the individual could face a fine of up to £500.

Medway Council is also consulting on the extension of Dog Control Orders in Capstone Farm Country Park and Riverside Country Park in Gillingham for three years, from 17th October 2020. This means that dogs must be kept on leads in certain areas within the country parks, which are clearly marked on maps on the park notice boards, and are not allowed in other areas, such as play parks.

If someone is seen walking their dog off the lead in one of the designated areas, or if their dog is in an area where canines are not allowed they will be asked to put their dog on a lead or to remove the dog from that area. If they do not comply the pet owner could be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100.

The consultations end at midnight on Friday 17th July 2020.

Cllr Adrian Gulvin, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Resources and Chairman of the Medway Community Safety Partnership, said:

“In the last three years our preventative approach to tackling anti-social behaviour across Medway has seen a 29 per cent reduction in the number of incidents reported. We are determined to reduce this figure further and we will continue to work closely with our partners to tackle anti-social behaviour. I would encourage residents to take part in the consultation and have their say.”

For more information about PSPOs, and to take part in the consultations, visit: www.medway.gov.uk/consultations

Medway Council

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