Order to tackle anti-social behaviour in Colburn

Members of Richmondshire District Council will be asked to agree plans for an order to reduce anti-social behaviour in Colburn next week.

Officers are recommending councillors approve the scheme when they meet next Tuesday.

The Anti-Social Behaviour Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) has been drawn up to “control a number of activities currently having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those living, working and visiting
Colburn”.

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The order was sought after concerns were raised by residents and local businesses during the spring and summer period about a big increase in anti-social by local youths.

The order prohibits certain behaviour within the restricted area.

Where a PSPO is in force, it is a criminal offence to do anything which is prohibited under the order or to fail to comply with the requirements of the order.

Anyone guilty of an offences are liable, on summary of conviction, to a fine of up to £1,000

Fixed penalty notices of up to £100, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days, payable to the local authority, can also be issued.

Police officers, PCSOs and those authorised by the council can enforce the orders.

Officials say that since April 2017, there have been more than 200 reports of youths behaving in an antisocial manner around the area of the Broadway shops, Colburn Library and blocks of flats within the vicinity.

The behaviour had also taken place on Colburn Business Park.

The behaviour includes:

a) intimidation of both younger and older persons;
b) verbal and racial abuse;
c) underage drinking;
d) aggressive behaviour;
e) youths congregating in large numbers therefore intimidating residents;
f) throwing of objects (including eggs) at and into local businesses operating at the
Broadway;
g) foul and abusive language

A public consultation event has taken place and received 585 responses.

The order would initially be in place for two years.

The order would prohibit the following activities in public spaces within the specified area:

a) Behaving in a way that causes or is likely to cause harassment, annoyance,
alarm or distress to another person
b) Threatening and/or abusing people within the restricted area
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c) Congregation in groups of more than 3 people (under the age of 17) and
behaving in an anti-social manner
d) Continuing to consume alcohol when required to stop doing so by any
authorised officer
e) Throwing objects which are liable to cause damage, nuisance, or injury to any
person, animal or structure

The order will be debated by district councillors on Tuesday.