Officers from Borough of Poole have successfully obtained two Public Space Protection Orders to help combat antisocial behaviour that has been having a negative effect on the local community in two areas of Parkstone.
The first order covers a section of Ashley Road in between the junctions with Loch Road and Uppleby Road. Under the order, anyone within this area is banned from drinking alcohol, having an open container of alcohol in their possession, and begging for money from members of the public.
Alexandra Park is covered by the second order, which, in addition to drinking alcohol, also prohibits littering and graffiti. Dog owners are also required to clean up after their dog or risk being in breach of the order.
The orders will now remain in place for a maximum of three years, and will be enforced by the police and council officers. Breaching the order is a criminal offence and is punishable by a fixed penalty notice of £100. Failure to pay the fine could lead to prosecution.
Ian Cooke, Safer Communities Manager, Borough of Poole, said: “Public Space Protection Orders are a new piece of legislation that we hope will allow us to effectively put a stop to anti-social behaviour in the areas covered by the orders, as anyone engaging in these activities in Ashley Cross or Alexandra Park can now be fined or even prosecuted. The behaviour detailed in the orders has previously proved to be a real cause for concern for people who live and work in the area, so we are very pleased with the outcome. We hope that this demonstrates that behaviour that harms Poole’s communities will not be tolerated.”
The orders are a new measure brought in due to changes to legislation under the new Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
