Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Committee recommend to   Cabinet for the extension of the existing Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for dog control be agreed;

(b)       That the Committee  recommend to Cabinet for the extension of the existing public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for alcohol control; and

(c)       That the Committee recommends to Cabinet that a review is undertaken of all signage at all sites subject to the PSPO arrangements.

The Chief Officer (Planning, Environment & Economy) gave a brief introduction on the consultation that has been undertaken on the two Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO’s) covering Dog Control and Alcohol Control and seeking view in advance of consideration at  Cabinet on the 20^th of October.

 The Trading Standards Team Leader presented the report outlining the requirements as set out in the report.  He explained that PSPO’s were not permitted to have an effect for a period of more than 3 years, unless extended under Chapter 2 Section 60 of the Act.

            The consultation ran between 3^rd August and 4^th September, 2020 and the results were as listed in the report which included comments that were received via email which could not be included when completing the electronic survey.

In response to a question raised by Councillor Ellis the Regulatory Services Manager advised that when the Order was originally introduced signage had originally been placed but unfortunately over time it had been removed.  A full review of signage has already taken place and more robust signs will includes maps of the area showing exclusion zones.  Areas that had been highlighted as a significant problem, such as Mill Lane Playing Field by Elfed High School, Buckley  would be first on the list and should this extension be approved it would be taken forward with immediate effect and would take 3 months to complete the full project.  As for enforcement within exclusion zones the Team check signage at the location before they take any action firstly by speaking  to people, as part of engage and educate,  to make sure that they are fully aware of what restrictions are in that location.  If they do not take that advice then a Fixed Penalty Notice would be issued.

Councillor Carolyn Thomas added that they were aware that Rosie Fishing Group at Wepre Park had requested a PSPO around the lake to exclude dogs from that area.  Councillor Shotton added that the area was classified as a recreation area.

   Councillor Hughes questioned as to why the number of fixed penalty notices was low as it was one of the biggest issues that he was contacted on within his ward.  Along with Councillor Shotton he would like to see something specific in the order that targets dog owners that fail to dispose of waste in the bins provided.  The Regulatory Services Manager said that success of the enforcement team was not gauged on how many fixed penalty notices were issued but that they looked at engagement and education.  Following the departure of Kingdom more emphasis has been put on the team being visible and engaging and speaking to dog owners.  Under the Environmental Act enforcement can be made under littering if the Team witnesses someone that does not dispose dog waste bags correctly.

As requested by members the Regulatory Services Manager confirmed that she was in a place to share the standard smaller signs that they have at present and could also provide  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16