Yobs, criminals, problem drinkers and irresponsible dog owners are on Kirklees Council’s radar.
The council has said crime and disorder hot-spots could be “gated” off as new powers are brought in to clamp down on anti-social behaviour.
Kirklees Council is consulting on Public Space Protection orders which would bring in tougher rules and allow it to dish out £100 on the spot fines to people up to no good.
Some back-alleys and isolated lanes have already been gated off and the council is thought to be considering restricting access to other hot-spots that attract anti-social behaviour.
Physical gates are already in use at alleys between Alder Street and Calton Street, near Huddersfield town centre, and the council has said boulders or bollards can also be used where appropriate to prevent people or vehicles congragating.
The new powers will also be used to bring in controlled alcohol zones in Huddersfield town centre, Dewsbury town centre, Batley town centre, Marsden village and Slaithwaite village – the latter two to tackle problems associated with the Ale Trail.
Tougher rules for dog owners could also be implemented with more than 100 “dog exclusion zones” identified.
Dog owners will be forced to keep their dogs on leads in more places, including roads, pavements, car parks and other council land such as allotments, cemeteries, schools and sports grounds.
An order requiring dogs to be on leads at Castle Hill between March and August is being considered to protect nesting birds.
Dog wardens and rangers will have the powers to make owners put their dog on a lead.
It will also be an offence for dog owners and walkers not to carry a bag or something else for picking up dog mess whilst in control of a dog in areas where removal of fouling is in force.
The new rules will also facilitate the banning of dogs from children’s play areas, paddling pools, multi-use games areas, skate parks, tennis and ball courts and some Kirklees maintained school grounds, where requested by the head teacher.
A consultation has been launched which will run for eight weeks to August 28.
Members of the public can complete an online questionnaire or attend drop-in sessions at Batley Library (July 19, 10am - 12pm), Dewsbury Library (July 20,1pm - 3pm), Huddersfield Library (July 21, 10am - 12pm) or Holmfirth Library (July 21, 2pm - 4pm).
Comments can be emailed to PSPO@kirklees.gov.uk or sent by post to PSPO, Streetscene Action Team, Flint Street, Fartown, Huddersfield, HD1 6LG.
The questionnaire and a full list of the orders being considered are available at www.kirklees.gov.uk/pspo
