Ealing Council is consulting residents on the idea of renewing the existing borough-wide public spaces protection order (PSPO), which helps police and council officers to combat anti-social behaviour and promote public safety.

The original order was introduced in 2019, covering the borough’s public spaces – including town centres, parks and housing estates.

However, the existing PSPO expires in September, and the council wants your views before renewing it. The consultation is available as an online survey and will run until 6 September. 

What does a PSPO do?

A PSPO gives the police and the council an additional means to tackle specified behaviours that are persistent and unacceptable and is used alongside existing powers and ongoing partnership work with other agencies and the community.

Behaviours which are carried out in a public space and have a detrimental impact of the quality of life to people may include, but is not limited to, street drinking, fly-tipping, littering, verbal abuse, obstructing the highway, illegal drug use, urinating or, spitting.

If the PSPO is implemented, it will be enforced by police and council officers. The penalty for breaking a PSPO is a fine of £100. If the fine is not paid, court proceedings may be started, which will increase the fine to up to £1,000.

Protecting communities

Council leader Peter Mason said: “Keeping our communities safe and tackling anti-social behaviour is one of our top priorities. Healthy communities cannot thrive if they are blighted by the actions of a few selfish people who won’t respect our borough and those who live here.”

Councillor Raza, the council’s cabinet member for tackling inequalities, added: “We always welcome the opportunity to hear from residents and visitors of the borough to let their views be heard. This, ultimately, gives the council a greater understanding to improve the lives of our residents.”

The decision whether or not to renew the PSPO will be taken in September . 

You can complete the survey online.