Consultation Over New Police Powers For West Ealing and Hanwell

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On the spot fines could be introduced for anti-social behaviour

New powers to issue fines could be given to police and civilian enforcement officers in what the council claims is a bid to cut down on crime in West Ealing and Hanwell.

A consultation is underway to seek local views about enforcing a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) on the area.

It is a power available to councils for tackling behaviour which is harming the “quality of life”.

Haringey and Hillingdon currently use PSPO's and Ealing wants to follow.

The order prohibits the problematic behaviour in the area it applies. Not complying after being asked to do so is a criminal offence, and could result in a fine. The penalty for breaking a PSPO is a Fixed Penalty Notice (fine) of £100. If the fine is not paid, court proceedings may be started, which will increase the fine to up to £1,000

The idea has arisen because of concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour.

The council's safer communities team has looked into the propblem and highlighted the wide availability of cheap, high strength alcohol in the area; and groups of people congregating around late night, fast food restaurants.

Councillor Ranjit Dheer, the council’s cabinet member for community service and safety, said: “Anti-social behaviour can intimidate people and prevent them from enjoying public spaces such as parks or playgrounds.

“Statistics, reports and complaints have all pointed to West Ealing becoming a hot spot for these types of problems.

“Before we put this proposed order together, local organisations dealing with people suffering from substance misuse were consulted – including Ealing RISE, St Mungo’s and public health teams; and we also received advice from Youth Justice and spoke to residents’ associations and a number of local businesses. The contents of the proposed order were revised several times following their feedback.

“The most common complaint from residents’ associations was littering of drug paraphernalia and the impact this has on children.

“When the council’s safer communities team visited several local companies they all pointed out the negative impact on their business of street-drinking and associated congregation in certain spots.

“Therefore, they were all very happy with the idea of seeing more police presence in the area, which is what this order would effectively mean.

“It is about making sure public spaces are welcoming, and not about restricting access to them. The idea is to discourage unwelcome behaviour from happening in the first place but, if a problem persists, the order would make sure it can be dealt with effectively.”

Have your say ( before 23rd December) online here

A paper copy of the consultation form can be obtained by calling 020 8825 5994 or email safercommunities@ealing.gov.uk– the form must be returned by 23 December 2016.

If the proposals are approved the PSPO will be enforced in January 2017. 

23rd November 2016