Milton Keynes councillors call for stronger powers to keep parks and play areas safe
Liberal Democrat councillors in Milton Keynes want to put safety rules in place in parks and play areas to avoid dangerous behaviour putting people at risk.
A motion going to Full Council on Wednesday, November 18 calls for councils to have new powers to introduce rules based on assessed safety risks.
Milton Keynes City Council can already use Public Space Protection Orders to prevent harmful behaviour, but they must show that the behaviour has harmed or is likely to harm local residents’ quality of life.
Lib Dem councillors say that meeting this legal test can make early action difficult, particularly in new neighbourhoods.
The motion asks for councils to be able to act on identified safety risks without separately having to show that impact on residents’ quality of life.
It also calls for Parish, Town and Community Councils to have a clearer route to suggest places that need protection before incidents occur.
If passed, the motion would ask the City Council Leader, Councillor Jane Carr to write to the Home Secretary requesting changes to the law.
Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, Councillor Saleena Raja, said: “Everyone should feel safe enjoying our parks and parents should feel confident taking their children to the play area.
“Councils already have some powers to prevent problems, but the evidence needed can make it difficult to prevent problems from happening. We want clearer powers to introduce sensible rules where safety risks have been identified, helping keep these spaces safe for everyone.
“Parish, Town and Community Councils know their neighbourhoods the best and hear residents’ concerns. We want them to have a stronger voice in identifying where protection is needed.”