William Eichler 10 January 2018

Council to introduce PSPO to fight ‘verbal and racial abuse’

Richmondshire council is set to introduce an order banning groups of youths congregating in Colburn after more than 200 incidents of anti-social behaviour were reported.

Over the last nine months residents have reported numerous incidents of underage drinking, verbal and racial abuse, intimidation of younger and older people, as well as other examples of anti-social behaviour.

The district council’s Corporate Board is expected to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) when they meet next week which will give police and council officers the power to move groups on or fine them for unruly behavior.

‘Multi agency problem solving groups have been working in the area for some time and local people have been asked for their views on the issues – and the proposed PSPO is thought to be the best way forward,” said council leader Yvonne Peacock.

‘We do not take introducing such a radical measure lightly – but we must do something to protect the local community and the quality of their life.

‘By imposing conditions through the order we can give the police and our council officers more powers to disperse the troublemakers – and impose fines when the order is breached.’

The PSPO, made under powers granted by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, will ban groups of three or more youths under the age of 17 from congregating and behaving anti-socially.

Councils have been criticised in the past for using these powers to target people unfairly against the homeless, dog walkers and small gatherings in public places.

To counter this abuse, the Government last month issued new guidance around the use of PSPOs designed to provide local authorities with ‘greater clarity’ on how best to use them.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Supported Lodgings Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 9 - £35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / Grade 11 - £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
Are you passionate about the real difference supported lodgings carers can make to the lives of children and young people in our care?   Are you an ex Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisors

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
2x Lunchtime Supervisors Required as soon as possible Grade 1    £24,796 pro rata Permanent We are seeking to appoint two Lunchtime Supervisors to jo Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£28,142 - £31,022 pro rata
Part-time Enhanced Teaching Assistant  Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 pro rata 15 hours per week, term time only plus 2 weeks Permanent Required from 3rd N Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£28,142 - £31,022 pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 pro rata Permanent Full time, term time only + 2 weeks Required as soon as possible The Woodlan Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Home Care and Support Worker

Durham County Council
£12,791 - £13,412 p.a. (hourly rate of £13.26 rising to £13.90) -part-time Grade 4
If you have elderly friends and relatives, you will understand the value they place on independence. This role will give you the opportunity to work Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner