Have your say on problem drinkers, and dog mess

Erewash residents are being asked if they want the borough council to continue hitting dog owners in the pocket with fines of up to £1,000 when they fail to clean up their pets’ mess.

The authority is seeking citizens’ consent to keep the maximum penalties under a fresh Public Spaces Protection Order. The existing one is due to expire after three years – along with another PSPO that was brought in to stem alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in public spaces.

People are being invited to give their views on both in an online survey (Let’s Talk Erewash). Cllr Mark Alfrey – the council’s Lead Member for Environment – urged residents: “Please spare a few moments to complete the questionnaire.

“It is only with the support of the public that we can continue our successful war on irresponsible behaviour. The threat of big fines for not clearing up after dogs has had a massive impact in helping to keeping our public spaces such as playgrounds and parks pristine.”

Guide dogs and animals trained by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People are exempt under the existing PSPO, which also bans dogs from children’s play areas and stipulates they must be on a lead in cemeteries.

Residents have until Friday 31st July to say what they think about each of the two PSPOs. Both give the council power to act under Section 59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The one focussing on alcohol-related anti-social behaviour currently covers the centres of Ilkeston and Long Eaton and some outlying areas of both towns.

Troublemakers openly consuming booze face crackdowns from police and designated council officers. Depending on feedback, the fresh PSPO could be expanded to other areas – with people being invited to “drop a pin” on an interactive map when they log on to the Let’s Talk Erewash portal.

For more information email the Erewash Community Safety Partnership at communitysafety @ erewash.gov.uk or call 0115 907 2244.