Rotherham Council to extend tough measures to crack down on dog fouling and anti-social behaviour

Measures to crack down on anti-social behaviour and dog fouling in public spaces across Rotherham could be extended over the next three years.
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Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council introduced two public space protection orders (PSPOs) in October 2017, which were valid for three years.

Offences under the orders, which covered Rotherham town centre and Clifton Park, included failing to put dogs on a lead, approaching people for marketing purposes without a license, drinking alcohol, spitting urinating and failing to pick up and dispose of dog faeces.

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According to a report, in the last three years, 168 fines have been issued for breaches of the order, and 39 fines have been issued to individuals who have allowed their dogs to foul on land open to the public.

Cllr Emma HoddinottCllr Emma Hoddinott
Cllr Emma Hoddinott

Rotherham Council is seeking to continue two Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO), one in the Town Centre and a borough wide order specifically dealing with dog fouling.

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As the orders are now set to expire, council bosses want to consult the public in a bid to extend both orders for a further three years.

Residents will receive a letter from the council, and an online survey will be launched to gather the public's views on the extension.

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According to a report to the council, complaints related to dog fouling dropped by 57 per cent from 2016/17, to 2019/20.

A report which will be put forward at next week’s cabinet meeting includes plans for a public consultation on both PSPOs which will focus on the existing conditions and the behaviours that have been identified within the proposed order.

Councillor Emma Hoddinott, cabinet member for waste, roads and community safety, said “These orders are put in place to ensure that people feel safe in the town centre and our neighbourhoods are kept free of dog fouling. Without this Public Space Protection Order, it makes it harder for the police and council officers to take action.”

“We want to hear people’s views about the problems we are trying to address with this order and whether the extra powers will help tackle them.

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"While incidents of anti-social behaviour in the town centre and complaints of dog fouling across the borough have been declining since 2016, they are still some of the most common causes for complaint and we know that these remain relevant issues for people.”

The council is proposing that consultations take place through an online survey from July 27 until August 23, and also propose to ask for the views of parish councils, South Yorkshire Police, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, community organisations, local businesses, ward councillors, and council officers.

Following the consultation period, the findings will be submitted to Cabinet in September where a final decision will be made.

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