Cat-calling and car cruising to be made offences in Ashfield

Plus: Bar re-opens after Christmas closure

Good morning and welcome to your Monday briefing from Ashfield News. In today’s edition, a new street harassment offence is set to be enforced in the district, a problem house has been shut down, a bar re-opens after a nine-month closure and more.

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New powers to tackle crime in Ashfield

A public space protection order (PSPO) designed to tackle anti-social behaviour and environmental crime is set to be extended.

Ashfield District Council launched a six-week public consultation in April to allow the order to continue for a further three years.

In addition, the consultation looked at whether it should include a new order against street harassment and making car cruising an offence across the entire Ashfield district.

According to documents being discussed by the council’s cabinet today, Monday, September 16, the public voted “overhwhelmingly” in favour of the proposals.

The PSPO would give powers to the council and police to take enforcement action in designated public areas for the following offences:

1. Alcohol consumption in a designated area

2. Urinating/defecating within a designated area

3. Direction to move on in specified areas

4. Dog fouling

5. Failing to produce device or other means of removing dog faeces on demand

6. Dog exclusion in specified areas

7. Dogs on lead in specified areas

8. Dogs on lead by direction

9. Dog numbers specified maximum amount being handled by one person

10.Restricting Access (land between Bentinck St/Welbeck St)

11.Vehicle nuisance (previously Car Cruising)

12.Street harassment

Street harassment offences and action includes local and national strategies to address violence against women and girls.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Tackling anti-social behaviour and environmental crime are key objectives for the Council and Ashfield Community Safety Partnership.

“The use of tools and powers available from Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO’s) supports Ashfield District Council’s plans to continue to address nuisance behaviour and enhance community safety across the District.”

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Bar re-opens following Christmas closure

A Nottinghamshire pub which closed at Christmas has re-opened under new ownership.