Harrow Council has acted to protect consumers in Harrow town centre from nuisance, noise and illegal and unscrupulous trading.
A new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is now in force, for a period of three years, and has given new powers to tackle issues including illegal trading and nuisance. This is to ensure Harrow Town Centre visitors and residents can shop with confidence.
PSPOs can be introduced in specific public areas to combat activities that have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the area.
Harrow’s fun and vibrant high streets and commercial areas are showing resilience and are recovering well from the Covid-19 pandemic.
A recent study by Ipsos showed that Harrow has had one of the best economic recoveries in the country. This initiative seeks to help our traders to continue this positive trend.
Our communities are served by a range of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities and our high streets provide a great place for families to enjoy time together. Harrow Council have said they are committed to ensuring this continues.
Harrow Council want residents to be able to enjoy the town centre with a reduction in litter (from discarded leaflets). To be able to walk freely among authorized street traders and to enjoy busking which enhances the area and does not cause an unnecessary disturbance to others.
The Order prohibits:
The council said they are also committed to protecting residents’ freedom of speech, therefore there is an exemption for religious, political or charitable purposes enshrined within the Order when it comes to the distribution of leaflets.
Those who do not to comply with the conditions of the PSPO, witnessed by authorised officer, could face a fixed penalty fine of £100, with repeat offending, or failure to pay, potentially leading to a fine of up to £1,000 on summary conviction in court.
Cllr Peymana Assad, Portfolio Holder for Community Cohesion, Crime & Enforcement, said: “As a local authority our priority is the safety of residents and this new enforcement order for Harrow Town Centre reflects our commitment to cracking down on antisocial behaviour and protecting residents and our local environment.
“Our enforcement officers will not hesitate to act if they see people breaching these rules. We are determined to ensure Harrow is a safe place for legitimate businesses to thrive and for visitors to enjoy free from nuisance noise, litter and illegal street trading.”
Source: Harrow Council
