Meeting documents

The Committee welcomed Sarah McBrearty, Community Services Team Leader, to the meeting who explained that following reports of anti-social behaviour and crime, a public consultation was undertaken in relation to implementing a PSPO to close footpath HWU/80/1.  It was noted that the report detailed the results of the consultation and asked that the Committee recommended to the Cabinet Member for Community the making of the PSPO. 

It was noted that an estimate of approximately £3,500 had been obtained for the gates, a firm quotation would be needed.  The Community Services Team Leader explained that the footpath would need to be monitored to ensure it did not become overgrown or that the gates were not damaged.  A plan of the proposed alternative route could be found on page 12 of the agenda.   

The report outlined who the consultation letters had been sent to and Members were informed that during the consultation period letters / emails of support were received from 8 local residents and 1 local business.  It was reported that letters / emails of objection to closing the footpath were received from the Ramblers Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes and West Middlesex Area, Open Spaces Society, Buckinghamshire Local Access Forum, Chiltern Society, a resident in Marlow, a resident of Desborough Road and a resident from an unknown location.  The Community Services Team Leader explained that the responses given to concerns raised could be found on page 10 of the agenda. 

It was reported that other options included CCTV which would cost a significant amount of money, would cause collateral intrusion and the offenders would be unknown to those viewing the CCTV.  It was noted that the footpath was within an existing PSPO area which prohibited alcohol related anti-social behaviour but that the Council was reliant on the Police patrolling the area which could be a slower solution. 

In relation to paragraph 10 of the report, specifically relating to Buckinghamshire Local Access Forum (LAF), Members noted a slight amendment to the text set out in that there were 11 out of 14 members present at the LAF meeting and they had voted unanimously against the proposal.

Main issues arising from closing the footpath included that some residents used the footpath to access parking spaces in rear of their gardens, which they were legally able to do, hence using an access code would be the preferred option to allow resident access.  In discussion Members raised concerns that the access code could end up in the wrong hands – it was suggested that this code be changed every 6-8 weeks although the Community Services Team Leader explained that a lot of external agencies such as the Fire Service would need to be updated of the new codes which would be very time consuming but would be considered. 

Concern was also raised by Members about the possibility of simply displacing the ASB to another nearby area and that closing the footpath could set a precedent for other footpaths affected by ASB. 

Members stated their sympathy to the residents who had experienced the ASB – one Member felt that the pedestrians should be prioritised and that the residents should be encouraged to spruce up the alleyway, help maintain it and challenge the issues.  Other Members felt the closure of the footpath was the only option for local residents as it was being used for unsavoury activities / being abused rather than for what the footpath was originally meant for. 

Members also raised the ASB issues experienced in the Frogmore area and explained that the bigger picture needed to be addressed.  The Community Services Team Leader explained that she would be calling a multi-agency meeting in the next month or so to discuss the Frogmore area.

Members urged the Community Services Team Leader to ensure that Bucks County Council were keeping the footpaths in the Borough clear of rubbish, vegetation and generally clean.  

One Member felt the £3,500 would be better spent on support services (e.g. on helping street drinkers, etc) rather than on gates. 

The Community Services Team Leader assured Members that if the gates were installed she would work with the Neighbourhood Policing Team to see if ASB levels in nearby areas had increased.    

RECOMMENDED TO CABINET MEMBER: To agree to make a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to restrict public access to footpath HWU/80/1 by way of lockable gates at each end.