Tough new rules on street drinkers and irresponsible dog owners in Ashfield

Ashfield District Council has agreed to impose hard hitting new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in October in Sutton, Kirkby and Hucknall and the rest of Ashfield.

The council is fed-up of receiving complaints about dog fouling on the street, in parks, churchyards, cemeteries and other public places, and on footpaths, pavements and grass verges so now it plans to get tougher than ever before.

Dog-walkers in Ashfield could soon be fined £100 on the spot if they fail to carry a bag or container with them to pick up dog mess.

And the new orders also give police wider powers to arrest people for drinking and urinating in the street.

Extensive consultation about the Order took place with organisations and groups associated with dogs and dog walking as well as with the general public.

Coun Nicolle Ndiweni, portfolio holder for Community Safety and Engagement, said: “We are delighted that so many people took the time to make their views known to us and as the amendment to the draft shows we have listened to them.

“The PSPO is seeking to address issues which impact on quality of life. These issues can affect both the physical and mental well-being of residents and therefore these proposals will have a significant impact on community well-being.”

The PSPO can be enforced by council officers, wardens, patrols, police community support officers (PCSOs) or the police themselves.

The proposal for the order reads: “It will be an offence to fail to produce, when requested, a receptacle for picking up dog faeces.

“This will apply to all land to which the public have access, unless they can show a reasonable excuse for failing to do so or the owner/occupier of the land has consented to them failing to do so.

“It will also be an offence for any person in charge of a dog to take the dog onto, or permit the dog to enter, or to remain on land in a dog exclusion zone unless they can show a reasonable

excuse for doing so or the owner/occupier of the land has consented to his doing so.

“We intend to issue fixed penalty notices of £100 to enforce the order and failure to pay may lead to prosecution for committing a criminal offence.”

Under the terms of the PSPO consumption of alcohol is banned and anyone who, without reasonable excuse, fails to surrender any alcohol in their possession when asked to do so by a constable or an authorised Person in the Designated Area,

It will also be an offence to urinate or defecate within the designated area.

The Order will not apply to anyone who is registered as a blind person, or to someone who has a disability which affects their mobility, manual dexterity, physical co-ordination or ability

to lift, carry or otherwise move everyday objects, in respect of a dog trained by a prescribed charity and upon which they rely for assistance.

The order will apply to children’s play areas, bowling greens, skate parks, tennis courts,

A month of raising awareness of new rules regarding dog fouling is to take place throughout Ashfield.

A spokesman added: “By dealing with all these issues under one order, the council would save time and money but also underline its commitment to reducing crime and disorder across the district,”