Minute 522 (Cabinet Agenda Item No. 14 refers)

Called-in by Councillors Cox and Davidson

The Committee considered Minute 522 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 3 November 2020, which had been called in to the Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee, together with a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) providing a response to a petition (referred by Council) proposing alcohol free zones in Old Leigh.

In response to a question, the Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Customer Contact confirmed that he would be prepared to extend the scope of the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order consultation process to include the area beyond Chalkwell Station up to the green on the promenade at Chalkwell seafront, on the basis that there was an evidence base of anti-social behaviour issues in the area over recent months, which was confirmed by the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment).

Resolved:

That the following decision of the Cabinet be noted:

“That a full Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) consultation process be undertaken, which includes stakeholder and public consultation as well as collation of crime and anti-social behaviour evidence, to inform a decision regarding a potential PSPO for Old Leigh in relation to no drinking of alcohol in public areas (excluding licensed premises), and other relevant anti-social behaviour issues in this area.”

Note: This is an Executive Function

Cabinet Member: Councillor M Terry

Report of Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment)

The Cabinet considered a report of Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) providing a response to the petition (referred by Council) proposing alcohol free zones in Old Leigh.

Resolved:

That a full Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) consultation process be undertaken, which includes stakeholder and public consultation as well as collation of crime and anti-social behaviour evidence, to inform a decision regarding a potential PSPO for Old Leigh in relation to no drinking of alcohol in public areas (excluding licensed premises), and other relevant anti-social behaviour issues in this area.

Reasons for Decision:

As a specific location, Old Leigh is a popular visitor area, with a number of public houses, cafes and restaurants, as well as the picturesque harbour front and wharves, and its renowned local seafood industry. Visitor numbers are high and in particular during the past summer season, a growing number of anti-social behaviour issues have been evident, including drinking in public areas, and it could therefore benefit from the introduction of a PSPO.

Other options:

As set out in the submitted report.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Terry

The Cabinet considered a report of Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) providing a response to the petition (referred by Council) proposing alcohol free zones in Old Leigh.

Resolved:

That a full Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) consultation process be undertaken, which includes stakeholder and public consultation as well as collation of crime and anti-social behaviour evidence, to inform a decision regarding a potential PSPO for Old Leigh in relation to no drinking of alcohol in public areas (excluding licensed premises), and other relevant anti-social behaviour issues in this area.

Reasons for Decision:

As a specific location, Old Leigh is a popular visitor area, with a number of public houses, cafes and restaurants, as well as the picturesque harbour front and wharves, and its renowned local seafood industry. Visitor numbers are high and in particular during the past summer season, a growing number of anti-social behaviour issues have been evident, including drinking in public areas, and it could therefore benefit from the introduction of a PSPO.

Other options:

As set out in the submitted report.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Cabinet Member: Cllr Terry

*Called-in to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee