Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to introducing a Designated Public Places Order (DPPO), which would prevent the consumption of alcohol, on Charford Recreation Ground, Bromsgrove.  This matter was being brought before the Committee as the Police, who were responsible for enforcing any restrictions on public drinking in designated areas, were not willing to support this particular request as they had insufficient evidence of anti-social behaviour caused by alcohol consumption in the area, and felt they already had sufficient measures in place to keep any anti-social behaviour occurring in the area under control.

At the Chairman's discretion, Councillor Mrs. C. M. McDonald, Ward Councillor for Charford, spoke in favour of introducing a DPPO on this piece of land.  In doing so she stated that Charford was one of the last remaining play areas not to have such an Order in place, which sent out an unwanted message.  She added that it was only the part of the play area for young children which needed to be a designated area as it was an inappropriate place for alcohol to be consumed.  She stated that Charford had the second highest level of recorded anti-social behaviour incidents in the District and that the introduction of a DPPO on the Recreation Ground would aid in improving the sense of community and well being in the area.

It was noted that information provided by the Council's Community Safety Analyst had shown that there had been only one alcohol related incident on the Recreation Ground over the last two years.  As such, in the absence of clear evidence of alcohol related public nuisance or disorder and the lack of Police support in this regard, Members felt unable to support the request.  If, however, the number of recorded incidents relating to public drinking increased sufficiently in the future then the position could be reconsidered.      

RESOLVED that the request for the creation of a Designated Public Places Order on Charford Recreation Ground be refused.