COMMUNITY leaders are backing calls for a targeted approach on substances such as nitrous oxide canisters, so called “legal highs”. The Anti-Social Behaviour and Policing Act 2014 has taken 14 existing tools and streamlined them into the new tools such as Injunctions, Civil Behaviour Order, Community Protection Notice, Public Space Protection Orders, Closure Powers, and Dispersal Powers.
A motion calling for a targeted ban on the use of these substances using Public Space Protection Orders has been tabled for debate in late September by Conservative Deputy Leader, Cllr James Halden. Cllr Halden was joined at the weekend by MP Stephen Metcalfe, and Chair of Governors at Corringham Primary, Tony Eatherton, in a local park to see the problem of substance abuse in public first hand.
Councillor Halden said ”I will be asking colleagues to vote in favour of authorising a ban on the use of legal highs in certain public areas, under public protection orders. It is right we are robust at tackling the issue of harmful substances that are being used in public like a normal practise – we can’t allow an incorrect impression of safety or normalcy to be given, certainly around schools.
"I want to see certain hotspot areas to be targeted, so we have a scientific approach, rather than a mass or unfocused effort that proves to be unenforceable. However this is not just about a ban. Telling consenting adults what to do or thinking a blanket ban is anything more than a blunt tool is not correct. I’ve spoken to colleagues in community, faith and other groups because civic leadership requires balance between the law and the community. I hope that we can keep the conversation going and add in these new powers as a part of a wider civic approach”.
