POLICE have welcomed a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) against nuisance behaviour for Earlswood Lakes.
The Order has been implemented as a result of partnership working between the local community, Warwickshire Police, Stratford District Council, Warwickshire County Council and other stakeholders including the West Midlands Canal and River Trust.
Local authorities can introduce a PSPO to tackle specific nuisance behaviour which impacts a community’s quality of life.
The Order took effect from May 1 and is in place for three years.
It applies to anyone using the public space and specifically tackles:
Possessing or consuming psychoactive substance
Car Cruising (includes cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles, quadbikes and mopeds) covering anti-social use of vehicles causing detriment to the community
Loitering, causing or perceived to be causing intimidation, harassment, alarm or distress to others
Alcohol consumption and associated anti-social behaviour
Anyone who fails to comply is committing an offence. Officers will engage with suspects and may execute on the spot Fixed Penalty Charges of up to £100 for a breach of the Order. A serious breach may result in a court summons where if convicted, offenders face prosecution and a maximum fine of £1,000.
Adnan Saif, director for West Midlands at Canal & River Trust, which is currently working to renovate the lakes, said: “The lakes at Earlswood are a popular visitor destination for walking, fishing and sailing.
“Unfortunately there have been a number of criminal and anti-social incidents at the lakes, which we know is causing local residents concern.
We welcome the implementation of a Public Spaces Protection Order, this will allow for earlier intervention and the prevention of anti-social behaviour.”
Sergeant David Ebbs from the Alcester and Shipston Safer Neighbourhoods team at Warwickshire Police added: “Our officers will be actively enforcing the Order to ensure that visitors and the local community feel reassured that they can safely enjoy the lakes and beautiful surroundings, free of criminality and nuisance caused by a minority.”
Members of the public who witness or have information relating to any breaches of the Order are asked to call Warwickshire Police on 101 or report it online.
