A consultation is currently under way on whether or not the Mattock Lane Safe Zone public spaces protection order (PSPO) should be extended beyond April 2021.
The current PSPO, due to expire in April 2021, was made following concerns about the activities of pro-life and pro-choice protest groups outside the clinic.
Like other PSPOs in the borough, the order lasted for an initial three years – and it was the first of its kind outside a clinic in the UK.
The council evidenced that the activities had caused a detrimental effect, of a persistent and continuing nature, on the quality of life of those in the locality, including residents, visitors to the clinic, clinic staff and those passing through the area.
Created by the PSPO, the ‘safe zone and designated area’ have been in place since April 2018, and anyone who breaches the order can be fined or prosecuted.
The designated area, which is situated to the west of the clinic, was created to enable the various groups involved to continue their activities subject to certain restrictions. Outside of the area covered by the PSPO there are no restrictions in place.
Give your views
Take part in the online consultation by completing a short questionnaire.
A full copy of the PSPO and a high-resolution map detailing the area it covers, the location of the clinic and the designated zone is available for you to review. The evidence and documents available to the council when the order was made in April 2018 can also be viewed.
This consultation will close on 18 January 2021.
Responses
The responses to the Mattock Lane Safe Zone consultation will be considered by Ealing Council cabinet members in early 2021, when further consideration will be given as to whether or not the PSPO will be extended.
Councillor Joanna Camadoo-Rothwell, the council’s cabinet member for community safety and inclusion, said: “Please take the time to respond to the consultation. The safe zone was introduced based on detailed evidence that the activities of protesters outside the clinic were having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of women using the clinic, its staff and local people living in the area.”
If you require further information regarding this consultation please email the safer communities team at safercommunities@ealing.gov.uk putting the title ‘Mattock Lane PSPO consultation’ in the subject line.
