Anti-social behaviour orders extended by council
BBCPublic Space Protection Orders (PSPO) have been extended for three years to tackle low level anti-social behaviour in an area of Surrey.
PSPOs were first introduced in Surrey Heath in 2017 and the council executive had approved the extension to 2029.
The new PSPOs will keep the alcohol control zones in Camberley town centre and the Old Dean shopping parade along with the ban on dogs from all council play areas. A ban on putting up tents in Camberley town centre, London Road Recreation Ground and Camberley Park without permission has also been introduced.
Surrey Heath Borough Council says it will review increasing fines for PSPO breaches from £100 to £500 in October, when the new orders start.
Street begging in Camberley town centre is still banned as part of the orders, while catapult and slingshot restrictions are being added.
The borough‑wide ban of nitrous oxide through local PSPOs has been removed as it is now a Class C drug under national law, so enforcement is covered by criminal laws, the council says.
Alan Ashbery, the council's portfolio holder for built environment and regulation, said: "They are an important tool in dealing with low level anti-social behaviour in our communities, which we know is an issue that residents are concerned about.
"We've listened to feedback from partners, stakeholders and the public to update the orders in response to differing issues faced across the borough, to make them as effective and as targeted as possible."
