Two Beauty Spots. One Question: How Do We Keep Them Safe?

When the sun comes out in Sevenoaks district, places like Riverside in Eynsford and Westminster Fields in Horton Kirby should feel like an escape.

Instead, for some residents, they’ve become a source of frustration.

Now, Sevenoaks District Council is proposing to introduce Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) at both locations to tackle anti-social behaviour, nuisance parking and problematic motorcycle use.

But before any order comes into force, the Council is asking the public a direct question: Do you support it?

A PSPO would give the Police and the Council stronger powers to:

• Issue warnings and fixed penalty notices
• Prevent behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress
• Remove individuals from the area for up to 24 hours if necessary

The focus is on preventing repeat disruption, particularly during the warmer months when concerns typically increase.

According to Cabinet Member for People & Places, Cllr Lesley Dyball, the proposals follow discussions with the Police, the Environment Agency and local parish councils, after community concerns were raised about behaviour at both sites.

Anti-social behaviour isn’t always dramatic. Often, it’s repeated patterns - loud gatherings, dangerous riding, blocked access routes, or behaviour that makes families feel uncomfortable in shared spaces.

PSPOs are designed to intervene early.

But they only go ahead if the consultation supports them.

Residents, businesses and community groups are invited to complete a short survey before midnight on Friday 27 March.

More information and the consultation form are available at: www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/PSPO

Because public spaces belong to everyone. The real question is - what kind of atmosphere do we want them to have this summer?