A Public Space Protection Order commences today (18 February) in St Ives for three years combatting anti-social behavior. 

With the backing of partners including Cambridgeshire Constabulary and after consultation with the public, the PSPO has been implemented across three different areas in St Ives. Signage detailing the prohibitions will be displayed across the areas covered by the order and local policing teams and council officers will be patrolling, carrying out intervention and enforcement tactics as required. 

The order is also in place is to challenge behaviour that causes alarm or distress to residents or visitors to these areas within St Ives.

As per the order, the following prohibitions are imposed:

Anti-social behaviour

• At all times, persons will not act in a manner that is causing or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress in the designated area.

Alcohol-related

• Persons must immediately leave the designated area marked in red for a period of 24 hrs if ordered to do so by a designated officer.
• Should the individual live or work within the designated area their right to access these will not be affected.
• Alcohol must be disposed of or surrendered if requested by a designated officer.

Vehicle-related nuisance

• Persons not to use a vehicle in a manner likely to cause alarm, harassment or distress.
• Persons not to gather in their vehicles or park their vehicles in groups of two or more to congregate and may result in causing alarm, harassment or distress.
• No person shall use their vehicle to cause unreasonable levels of noise including the noise from engines and exhausts and the playing of music from car stereos.
• Persons not to drive their vehicles in an anti-social manner.

Councillor Keith Prentice, Executive Councillor for Communities, said: “People who live in St Ives, the town’s businesses and everyone who uses the town centre wants reassurances that they and their families can go about their business without having to put up with anti-social behaviour.

This order enables both the Council and local Police teams the authority, if necessary, to take action on anti-social behaviour and its underlying causes to fulfil our broader strategy to improve our community.”

For more information on this PSPO please visit our website: https://www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/people-communities/crime-and-community-safety/anti-social-behaviour/