Sheffield council could introduce Public Space Protection Order to tackle Page Hall

The district is blighted by issues including anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, littering, noise nuisance and public brawls.

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Groups congregating in the streets at all times of the day and night has led to an increase in community tension.

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In response Sheffield Council is exploring the possibility of introducing a Public Space Protection Order, which would ban specific activities in a particular area in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Failure to comply with such an order is an offence.

Councillor Paul Wood, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety for Sheffield Council, said: “A PSPO relates only to dealing with anti-social behaviour and cannot be used to enforce where other enforcement powers exist.

“The application must also be backed up with specific evidence of increasing and sustained anti-social behaviour.

“We are working with South Yorkshire Police to establish what additional powers a PSPO would give us in dealing with community issues in Page Hall, as well as looking at the supporting evidence required.

“Working in partnership with the Police Neighbourhood Team, our wardens are in the area seven days a week to deal with issues on the ground and give support to members of the community. To help us fully understand, respond to and tackle issues it is essential that residents continue to report them.

“We have appointed a new Community Services Manager for Page Hall to make sure partner services are joined up and are working on a community action plan with local councillors, South Yorkshire Police, local community groups, residents, GPs, schools and businesses, to help neighbours live well together, reduce anti-social behaviour and tackle environmental issues such as fly-tipping.

“I want to reassure people living in Page Hall that, with or without a PSPO, we are taking action to bring about a safer, cleaner and more united community.”

Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I am working with South Yorkshire Police and Sheffield City Council to establish a way forward to tackle the ongoing public disorder and anti-social behaviour in Page Hall.

“Sheffield City Council are exploring the possibility of a PSPO and this is supported by both South Yorkshire Police and myself.

“A PSPO provides police with the powers to arrest if conditions set out in the order are breached but it has to be applied for by the local authority. Discussions have taken place with the council and we are awaiting their decision.

“In the meantime the Neighbourhood Policing Team have a presence within Page Hall and continue to work closely with the local authority to tackle anti-social behaviour and community issues in the area.”

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Forber, of South Yorkshire Police, said: "Any decision regarding a PSPO for the Page Hall area of the city is a matter for Sheffield City Council.

“We have made it clear that we would fully support such an approach and that we have resources in place to ensure any PSPO would be enforced.

“In recent months we have heavily invested in neighbourhood policing in Page Hall and are committed to tackling concerns focused on this area.“We work very closely with our partners at Sheffield City Council and will continue to.”

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