Proposals to control anti-social behaviour in Durham City

Published March 05, 2024 3.26pm

Proposals to control anti-social behaviour in Durham City centre have been brought forward by us.

We are considering the possibility of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) covering Durham City, that would seek to control behaviours including begging, urinating in the street and use of intoxicating substances.

At a meeting next week, our Cabinet is being asked to approve consultation being carried out before possible implementation.

The proposals have been drawn up in partnership with Durham Constabulary.

"Friendly, welcoming and safe"

Cllr John Shuttleworth, our Cabinet member for community safety, said: "Durham is a very friendly, welcoming and safe place but inevitably, as with any city anywhere in the world, there is some anti-social behaviour.

"We appreciate that this can impact on residents, businesses and visitors and that is why our officers have once again looked at gathering evidence which may warrant the implementation of a PSPO.

"When we looked at a PSPO to control aggressive begging two years ago there was not enough evidence to support making an order. However we said at the time we would continue to monitor the situation.

"Durham Constabulary has now put forward information and we have listened and officers have brought forward new proposals.

"Should Cabinet agree, we will be seeking people's views on what officers have come up with before anything is implemented."

How PSPOs work

A report to the Cabinet meeting, on Wednesday 13 March, sets out how PSPOs create area-based restrictions on behaviours which impact on quality of life, with the penalty for not complying being a fixed penalty notice or prosecution.

Councillors will be reminded that a PSPO already exists in Durham City to control alcohol consumption and that a countywide order exists for dog fouling.

Should members agree to carry out consultation, this would take place for six weeks, between May and June.

Should the PSPO proceed to consultation, a further report would come back to Cabinet setting out the results, to assist councillors in deciding the scope of any order.