Issue - meetings

(A report by Christian Allen, Assistant Director – Regulatory)

Portfolio Holder: Councillor Anne Dorrian

The Leader presented a report which proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to control the indiscriminate feeding of wild birds by the public, in designated areas of Boston Town Centre, following a period of mandatory public consultation. A copy of the consultation response was attached to the report as Appendix A.

A copy of the Draft Public Spaces Protection Order 2024 (No. 01/2024) was attached to the report as Appendix B. A copy of the PSPO Designated Area (Map of Boston Town Centre) was attached to the report as Appendix C. A copy of the draft Minutes extract from the Environment and Performance Committee meeting held on 5^th September 2024 was attached at Appendix D.

Members discussed the report and commented as follows:

·       The feeding of wild birds in the town centre was leading to damage and fouling of the public realm, its buildings and the Town’s heritage sites.

·       It was having a detrimental impact on the cleanliness of the area, on the pavements and street furniture, which actually exposed the public to potential health risks.

·       The proposals related to feral pigeons as opposed to domestic birds such as racing pigeons.

·       The Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 gave the local authority discretion to make a public spaces protection order.

·       The public consultation was conducted between 1^st May and 31^st July 2024.

·       Scrutiny members were generally in favour of introducing a PSPO.

·       Members noted that a PSPO breach was enforceable via fixed penalty notice, limited by statute to £100.

·       If approved an extensive public information campaign would follow over the next three months, where no fines would be issued initially. Visual signage would also be included, in order to assist the public.

·       Members thanked officers for their hard work.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Anne Dorrian and seconded by Councillor Callum Butler.

RESOLVED:

1.     That the feedback from the Environment and Performance Committee be noted; and

2.     That the making of a Public Spaces Protection Order to implement wild bird feeding controls in designated areas of Boston Town Centre be approved.

A report by the Assistant Director – Regulatory.

Note:  Appendix B will be tabled at the meeting.

Members noted the work programme.