Order to tackle anti-social behaviour extended

A council order which aims to tackle a range of anti-social behaviour from not bringing in your bins to rowdy behaviour has been extended for the second time.

The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) covering Eastwood in Rotherham was initially introduced in 2019, renewed in 2022 and will now last until 2028.

The decision to extend the measure, which can result in a fine or fixed penalty, came after public consultation and "mounting concern over persistent issues" in the Fitzwilliam Road area, Rotherham Council heard.

Councillor Saghir Alam said the order was "crucial" for maintaining safety and cleanliness.

The first Eastwood PSPO was prompted by complaints about litter, fly-tipping and vermin in bins on the street, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It was reportedly one of the first orders in the country where residents could be fined for not bringing in their bins, and the council confirmed that unusual clause would remain with the current extension.

Restrictions on public drinking, abusive language, and behaviour which could cause alarm or distress would also remain, the council said.

The area covered by the PSPO includes Fitzwilliam Road, the Doncaster Road corridor, Eldon Road, and the stretch up to the Mushroom Roundabout.

During a consultation period earlier this year, a number of concerns about a lack of enforcement of the order were made.

South Yorkshire Police records showed anti-social behaviour (ASB) incidents in the area had "increased steadily" since the order was last renewed, with 568 reports between 2021 and 2024.

A total of 60 Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued since the order was introduced.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North