REPORT TO PICKMERE PARISH COUNCIL
4th July 2023
AGENDA ITEM 9.7 BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND AND VISITOR ISSUES, INCLUDING PROPOSED ERECTION OF NOTICES.
1 REPORT OF CHAIR
1.1 Over-tourism, ASB and Drug issues have continued at the lake in the month since the last meeting and following an article in the Sunday Times about Pickmere Lake and Country Park may have increased.
1.2 Temporary signs have been erected in relation to banning the use of BBQs after scorching of the field and wooden benches, disposal of BBQs in the lake and in the rubbish bins (while still hot). Permanent BBQ and Private Land signs have now been sourced and costed for consideration.
1.3 Provisional enquires have been made with Parking companies in relation to making the Council bays at the lake pay to use. Residents could be issued with Residents permit passes. Tickets could be issued for expired tickets, not parking in a bay, parking in a disabled spot and parking on the hatched area. Parking on the hatched area has become frequent and would block the access of emergency vehicles to the lake in an emergency.
1.4 The cost of parking condition signs and ticket machines would most likely be borne by the parking company. Ticketing would be a combination of volunteers and parking company attendants. The Council would receive revenue from the parking and for tickets issued.
1.5 The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 introduced several new tools and powers for use by councils and their partners to address anti-social behaviour (ASB). One such tool is Public Spaces Protection Orders.
1.6 PSPOs can be used to restrict a broad range of activities. Under section 59 of the 2014 Act, local authorities must be satisfied on reasonable grounds that the activity subject to an Order which the chronic issues experienced in Pickmere since lockdown appear to meet:
• has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality
• is persistent or continuing in nature
• is unreasonable
• justifies the restrictions being imposed.
2 RECOMMENDATION
2.1 That Council agrees to Purchase permanent signs and agrees a budget of £500 to purchase and install the signs.
2.2 That Council agrees to get quotes from at least 3 parking companies for management of PPC parking at the Turton Pavilion and reports back to council at the next meeting.
2.3 That Council contacts Laura Woodrow-Hirst, ASB and Community Enforcement Manager, Neighbourhood Services at CEC to discuss implementation of a PSPO.