A new Public Space Protection Order which will help reduce current anti-social behaviours in Lowestoft has been formally approved.
At a meeting of East Suffolk Council’s Cabinet on 3 February, it was agreed that an existing Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in place for the Harbour ward should be discharged and replaced with an updated order to better respond to current patterns of anti social behaviour in the town.
The new PSPO strengthens measures to tackle behaviours including the dangerous use of e scooters and e bikes, public urination, spitting, threatening conduct, and the wearing of masks or face coverings used to conceal identity while engaging in anti social behaviour. These concerns have been raised consistently by residents and Suffolk Police, who have reported individuals using face coverings to hide their identity while behaving aggressively or engaging in nuisance activities.
Cllr Jan Candy, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Community Health said: “We want to ensure that the Public Space Protection Order continues to meet the needs of local residents, and through an annual review we will be able to assess whether any of the conditions need to be updated, removed or strengthened. This will help us ensure the order remains responsive to local issues and continues to support community safety throughout its three-year duration.”
The PSPO will run for a three year period, reviewed each year to determine whether any restrictions need to be amended or added to ensure the order continues to reflect local issues and safeguards community safety.
Over the coming weeks, signage will be erected across the PSPO area to ensure residents, businesses, and visitors are fully aware of the new conditions.
