Gorrell Valley and Stour Parks (GVSP) Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) 

Canterbury City Council has put forward proposals to renew its Gorrell Valley and Stour Parks (GVSP) Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which would be in force for the next three years.

This consultation sought views on the proposals. It closed on Monday 11 November and comments can no longer be submitted. Thank you to everyone who gave their view.

The details are being left on this page for the public’s information.

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PSPOs help to stop nuisance behaviour that affects the quality of life of other people.

A PSPO is an official measure that is enforceable as part of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, 2014.

PSPOs can be used to protect the public from behaviour which is persistent and unreasonable and is having, or is likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the area.

Police officers and Canterbury City Council enforcement officers currently have powers to remove and dispose of relevant items and issue an on-the-spot fine through fixed penalty notices where appropriate.

If people don’t follow the rules outlined in the PSPO, police officers and council enforcement officers can issue them with a fixed penalty notice of up to £100. The council looks to educate and engage through signage and interactions with enforcement a last resort as per its policy and government guidance.

The council is proposing to introduce a new PSPO which would apply in the Stour Parks and Gorrell Valley areas shown on the maps below. This area has been covered by a PSPO previously which can be viewed on the website.

The activities that are proposed to be included in the PSPO include:

• urinating or defecating in any public space inside the Restricted Area
• acting in a disorderly manner so as to cause harassment, alarm, nuisance or distress to others in the locality
• light or fuel any open fire
• using, lighting or discarding any barbeque
• bringing or being in possession of any catapult
• drinking if related to anti-social behaviour when asked to do so by an authorised officer.

All the feedback we receive will be reported to councillors to consider in December this year before a decision is taken as to whether to bring the PSPO into effect.

Published: 9 September 2024