A new order introduced by the Council and its partners aims to reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB) in a key area of Immingham.
Over recent months, the Council and Humberside Police have received reports of ASB in the area and have since partnered with Immingham Town Council to address the issue.
After consultation with the public and residents, it was deemed appropriate to enact a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in this area.
This PSPO centres around Kennedy Way and the surrounding shopping centre, ensuring actions that may harm the community are no longer allowed.
PSPOs are already in place in multiple locations across the borough including Cleethorpes sea front and Grimsby town centre – with a positive effect.
They are intended to deal with persistent anti-social behaviour in a local area that is detrimental to the community’s quality of life. They do so by imposing conditions on the use of that area to ensure everyone can use and enjoy public spaces without experiencing nuisance and annoyance.
In this instance, the order means it is illegal for people to ride a bike through the centre, cause distress to the public, use foul or abusive language towards another person amongst other things.
Those found to be in breach of a PSPO are committing a criminal offence, subject to a fine on conviction of up to £1,000. However, they may be offered a fixed penalty notice (FPN) as an alternative to prosecution.
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Kate Duffield said: “We understand how important is for people to feel safe in their local community.
“I welcome the introduction of the Public Spaces Protection Order and am hopeful it will help reduce anti-social behaviour whilst improving the environment around the town centre.
“Officers will continue to work closely alongside North East Lincolnshire Council, and this PSPO is just one of the measures in place to help keep Immingham a safe place for all.”
Immingham Town Council’s Lady Mayor, Sharon Gaughan, said “This Public Space Protection Order is a great start to tackling the nuisance that we are suffering in our Town from anti-social behaviour. It was clear from comments made at the public Town Meeting, that we held last week, that partners need to continue to work together to find solutions to the problems that residents are experiencing, and I will continue to make sure that your voice is heard.”
Councillor James Sawkins, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, added: “I welcome the introduction of the Public Space Protection Order for Immingham Town Centre and want to thank council officers, Humberside Police and local partners for the careful work that has gone into bringing this forward.
“Residents, visitors and local businesses should be able to use the town centre without being affected by anti-social behaviour, intimidation, nuisance or alcohol-related disorder. This order gives the police and authorised officers proportionate tools to intervene early, disperse those causing problems, and help restore confidence in the area.
“Importantly, this is about tackling unacceptable behaviour, not targeting any particular group, and I fully support work that helps make Immingham safer, more welcoming and more enjoyable for everyone.”
Image caption: Left to right, Cllr James Sawkins, NELC; Andy Hopkins, Immingham Town Council; Mayor of Immingham Sharon Gaughan and Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Shaun Patterson, Humberside Police
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