COUNCIL powers to tackle nuisance behaviour in public places could be extended for another three years.
Rugby Borough Council is proposing to renew three Public Space Protection Orders – which give council officers and police officers the power to issue fines to people who refuse to comply with the terms of an order.
There are currently three PSPOs in force in Rugby which were last renewed in March 2019, covering dog controls, intoxicating substances, and Newbold Quarry Nature Reserve.
Under the Dog Control PSPO, dog fouling in public places is forbidden, and owners must keep their dogs on leads on public roads, in council-owned cemeteries and in Caldecott Park – or risk a £100 fine.
A PSPO covering Newbold Quarry Nature Reserve means anyone found committing various anti-social behaviours at the site can also be handed a £100 fine.
And the Intoxicating Substances PSPO bans the taking of alcohol or drugs in the town centre area. Failure to surrender alcohol to a police or council officer can result in a £500 fine, while people convicted of taking drugs can be fined up to £1,000.
The council has published notices to extend the PSPOs for a further three years.
Coun Jim Ellis, who represents Newbold and Brownsover Ward, said: “The council is seeking to renew these local policies and controls and is seeking local views.
“As a councillor, I encourage local people to express their positive or negative observations on the PSPOs so the council can best represent the community and the local natural environment – especially in light of the climate emergency – and its needs.”
The Government introduced PSPOs in 2014 to give councils extra powers to combat anti-social behaviour in public places.
Visit www.rugby.gov.uk/PSPOconsultation or write to PSPO Consultations, Town Hall Evreux Way, Rugby, CV21 2RR to contribute to the consultation, indicating which of the three PSPOs you are commenting on.
The consultation closes at 5pm on Thursday February 10. The council will then consider all comments received and determine whether to formally renew or vary the Public Space Protection Orders.
