Extra safety measures proposed for Blackpool parks

The council has agreed to a four-week public consultation over proposals to adopt public space protection orders in these areas which would then be in place for three years.

If it is decided to introduce the orders, police and enforcement officers will have stronger powers to tackle unruly and nuisance behaviour including vandalism.

People will be asked for their opinions about standards of behaviour and what kinds of activities they think should be banned from public parks.

Once an order is in place, enforcement officers have the power to hand out instant fines to anyone not complying with the rules.

A council report says: “Local authorities have a key role to play in helping to make local areas safe places to live, work and visit and it is believed that our parks/green spaces and cemeteries would benefit from enhanced security measures and behaviour standards.

“Tackling behaviour which has a detrimental impact on the quality of life of those in the locality is a key element of this role.

“It is to be noted that behaviour which has a detrimental impact can be broader than that which has traditionally been described as anti-social behaviour.”

Once the consultation process has been carried out, a decision will be made on what kind of restrictions to impose.

There are already a number of public space protection orders in place in Blackpool, including covering the town centre and the Promenade, while there are also order in place specifically for the control of dogs.

The town centre order bans activities include street drinking, begging and unauthorised street performances.

Public space protection orders for dogs mean the animals are not allowed at any time in certain areas such as children’s playground and multi-use games areas.

Temporary restrictions in place on Blackpool’s beaches from the North Pier to the Solaris Centre between May 1 and September 30, meaning no dogs can be walked there on or off-lead during this time.

Orders in relation to the use of alley gates are also in place in some areas to prevent anti-social behaviour including fly tipping.