By Town Centre issues highlighted after ‘three-year-plan’ for PSPOs
The announcement early this week that there are special orders to crack down on bad behaviour in public spaces across Grimsby and Cleethorpes being extended for another three years, prompted some locals to voice what issues they thought were prevalent.
The move to renew PSPOs – Public Spaces Protection Orders – was announced earlier this week by North East Lincolnshire Council to mark the start of National Antisocial Behaviour Awareness Week.
“Such a bigger stretching problem short term fix won’t fix the town’s years of social deprivation underinvestment and lack of services which in turn creates ASB.” one user commented on social media.
“When are they going to stop the e-scooters as they are a danger to pedestrians and motorists. Not legally allowed on the road or pavement but we are subjected to these every day.
“The speeds are ridiculous and someone will be hurt sooner rather than later. Plus they have no insurance if they cause an injury or accident, Police do nothing about this and the council needs to act promptly.” another added.
Where the orders exist, council and Humberside Police officers can issue £100 fixed penalty notices for behaviour that causes a nuisance, danger, or distress.
Since their launch in 2019, more than 1,000 such fines have been handed out, mainly for cycling in Victoria Street, Grimsby, and taking dogs on the main beach in Cleethorpes during the summer.
A separate Dog Control PSPO is also extended, which covers problems such as dog mess, not controlling animals in public spaces, and restricted access to certain areas, such as the main Cleethorpes Beach during the summer season.
“It’s quite incredible when you see how big of a ‘threat’ electric scooters are when they pass by police cars all the time and nothing is done. All this empty politics for a couple of votes is so tiresome.” another commented regarding the scheme.
“I have never once seen a cyclist being told to dismount, nor have I ever seen the drug/alcohol users being moved away from the new St James’ plaza or the main thoroughfare. Similarly, I have never seen the dog ban being enforced, as typically there are numerous ‘the rule doesn’t apply to me’ dog walkers on the beach around 8 am most mornings.” another added.
“People shouldn’t cycle on the pavement, but the people that do it feel safer than on the road. Some half decent infrastructure and better behaviour from drivers would go some way to addressing that.” a commenter said.
