Council reviews restrictions on dogs control orders and alcohol in public areas
Thursday, 24 August 2023
We are reviewing our public space protection orders (PSPOs) and people are being asked for their opinions about the review.
We consult on our public space protection orders every three years. These Orders restrict dogs from certain public spaces and help tackle nuisance caused by people drinking alcohol in public places, where it is having a negative impact on the area.
We currently has a PSPO in place covering public drinking in specific locations within sixteen areas of Central Bedfordshire including Ampthill, Arlesey, Barton-Le-Clay, Biggleswade, Cranfield, Dunstable, Eaton Bray, Flitwick, Heath and Reach, Houghton Regis, Leighton Linslade, Sandy and Beeston, Shefford, Stotfold and Toddington. This is predominantly in town centres and recreation grounds.
We are consulting on adding Clifton Park in Clifton and Astral Park in Leighton Buzzard to this PSPO.
We are not proposing any changes to the dog control orders in place. This includes a blanket rule requiring dogs to be on leads in any open space with a marked sports pitch, and dogs being prohibited from fenced play and games areas and parts of our country parks. Dogs will also still need to be on a lead in cemeteries, picnic areas, gardens of remembrance and A and B roads, as well as on public footpaths. Also, if a dog fouls, then the person in charge of them must immediately remove it.
Councillor Rebecca Hares, Executive Member for Health and Community Liaison at Central Bedfordshire Council, said:
We know many of our residents are extremely concerned about anti-social behaviour and our Public Sector Protection Orders give our officers additional powers to deal with a wide range of anti-social issues, to assist in keeping our communities safe. They’re an important tool in dealing with low level anti-social behaviour in our communities, and we’re keen to hear views on our current orders and proposed changes.
The consultation opened on Thursday 24 August and closes on Friday 17 November 2023.