Content

Following consideration of consultation
responses and the latest evidence of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in
the alleyway between Chapel Street and Main Street, Egremont, it
has been decided to make a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO)
under sections 59, 61, 64 and 72 of the Anti-Social Behaviour,
Crime and Policing Act 2014.(the Act)
 
The Order will :
• Restrict the public right of way
through the alleyway, enforced by installation gates at both
ends.
• Provide exemptions for residents,
emergency services, statutory undertakers, and authorised Council
officers.
• Ensure alternative pedestrian access
via Chapel Street.
• Remain in effect for a period of three
years, subject to review and potential extension.
 
The Council will publish the Order, erect
appropriate signage, and implement enforcement arrangements in
accordance with statutory requirements

Reasons for the decision

The decision to make the PSPO is based on the
following legal, evidential, and practical reasons:
 
Legal compliance
• Section 59 of the 2014 Act requires
that:
o Activities have,
or are likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life
of those in the locality.
o The effect is persistent, continuing, and
unreasonable. o Restrictions are justified to prevent
recurrence.
• Section 61 allows restrictions on
public rights of way.
• Section 64 allows installation of gates
to enforce these restrictions.
• Section 72 requires consultation and
publicity, which has been completed. Evidential basis
• The evidence shows a pattern of
persistent, continuing behaviour affecting residents’ quality
of life.
Proportionality and necessity
• Gating the alleyway is a proportionate
response given the severity and persistence of the ASB.
• Alternative interventions (e.g.,
monitoring by the Local Focus Hub) will not resolve the problem
following the most recent evidence of ASB on the alleyway.
• Exemptions ensure that residents,
emergency services, and statutory undertakers retain reasonable
access, minimising intrusion.
Community support and consultation
• Consultation with residents, statutory
bodies, and emergency services indicates sufficient support for
gating. Risk management
• Without intervention, ASB may escalate,
causing further harm, distress, and property damage.
• Making the PSPO reduces the risk of
future complaints and supports a safer local environment.

Alternative options considered

 
• Do nothing – rejected, as
evidence now shows persistent ASB affecting residents.
• Alternative interventions only –
rejected. The previous Non-Key Officer Decision Report referred the
matter to the Local Focus Hub for monitoring and review. However,
since that report further evidence as indicated in this report, has
come to light to support the making of the PSPO.
• Proceed with making the PSPO –
selected option, as it is necessary, proportionate, and lawful
under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014