On the 13 October 2022 a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) will be in place, covering the area highlighted red on the map at the end of the Order document.
The order followed a public consultation and will be in place for 3 years. The PSPO will give authorised BCP officers and Dorset Police the ability to address the following activities which will be prohibited Monday – Friday between 7am and 7pm in the highlighted map area.
- protesting, namely engaging in an act of approval/disapproval or attempted act of approval/disapproval, with respect to issues related to abortion services, by any means. This includes but is not limited to graphic, verbal or written means, prayer or counselling
- interfering, or attempting to interfere, whether verbally or physically, with a service user or member of staff of the BPAS clinic
- intimidating or harassing, or attempting to intimidate or harass, a service user or a member of staff, of the BPAS clinic
- recording or photographing a service user or member of staff of the BPAS Clinic.
- displaying text or images relating directly or indirectly to the termination of pregnancy and or playing or using amplified music, voice or audio recordings
- holding vigils’ where members audibly pray, recite scripture, genuflect, sprinkle holy water on the ground or cross themselves if they perceive a service-users is passing by.
- remaining in the Safe Zone, when asked to leave by a Police Officer or police community support officer or any other person designated by BCP Council or returning to the Safe Zone before 7pm on the day you have been asked to leave
It is an offence to fail to comply with the order and could result in a fine or prosecution.
Requirements
- a person who is believed to have engaged in a breach of this order within the Safe Zone, is required to give their name and address to a police officer, police community support officer or other person designated by BCP Council
- a person who is believed to have engaged in a breach of this order within the Safe Zone, is required to leave the area if asked to do so by a police officer, police community support officer or other person designated by BCP Council
Definition of a PSPO
Public spaces protection orders (PSPOs) were brought in under section 59 to 65 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (legislation.gov.uk).
They specify an area where activities are taking place that are or are likely to be detrimental to the local community's quality of life and impose conditions or restrictions on people using that area.
They are designed to ensure the law-abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces, safe from antisocial behaviour.
For further information, or to report activity in the PSPO safe zone, please contact asbteam@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or call the ASB Team on 01202 128883.