PSPO confirmed for Richmond Falls and Batts
An order to protect a Richmond beauty spot from anti-social behaviour has been confirmed. The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) should be in place by spring 2021.
Members of Richmondshire District Council’s Corporate Board last night (January 12) agreed to introduce the PSPO at the Richmond Falls and Batts area after hearing there is widespread public support for it. The order will now be subject to consultation with the statutory agencies.
The areas were blighted by anti-social behaviour last summer leading to marshalls and extra policing during two key holiday weekends. Extra closed circuit cameras were also installed to monitor the area. And a consultation to glean views on further action prompted almost 600 replies calling for urgent action.
Large crowds of young people had been gathering leading to the creation of a task group - made up of the district council, police and local partners – to look at ways to curb the behaviour. That had included intimidation of residents, visitors and local businesses; verbal abuse; drunkenness and the consumption of drugs (both legal and illegal); aggressive behaviour; and urinating and defecating in public.
The PSPO which will initially last three years, and will prevent:
- Behaving in a way, including by congregating in a group, that causes or is likely to cause harassment, obstruction or concern for safety to another person in a public place
- Threatening and/or abusing people within the restricted area
- Continuing to consume alcohol when required to stop doing so by any authorised officer
- Being under the influence of controlled drugs or other psychoactive substance
- Throwing objects which are liable to cause damage, nuisance, or injury to any person, animal or structure
- Lighting or being in control of a fire or barbecue
- Littering and the irresponsible depositing of waste
