Last night I attended the RBWM Place Overview & Scrutiny Panel, where we reviewed three important items affecting residents across the borough:
Local Planning Enforcement Plan
Local Flood Risk Management Strategy
Catapult Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)
The item that particularly caught my attention was the proposed Catapult PSPO, which is being introduced in response to incidents of wildlife being injured.
During the meeting, I asked what practical difference a PSPO would make, given that injuring wildlife is already a criminal offence. The key point is that a PSPO gives additional enforcement powers. It would allow the police and community wardens to confiscate catapults and ammunition such as ball bearings or stones, something they cannot currently do simply because someone is carrying them.
This means officers could intervene before harm is done, rather than only after an offence has taken place.
It was also good to hear that communication and education would be via schools if this is passed.
I also asked why the PSPO was not being introduced across the whole borough. The answer given was that there is currently no recorded evidence of incidents outside the wards listed above.
So if anyone does witness this type of behaviour in other areas of the borough, it is really important that it is reported to the police and the council, so incidents are logged and the evidence base can be built.
The proposal will now go to RBWM Cabinet on 28 April, where it will be considered for approval.
One interesting point from the discussion was that over 1,400 people responded to the public consultation on this issue, which is significantly higher than most consultations we see, even the borough budget. It shows just how strongly residents feel about protecting wildlife and preventing cruelty.
I will continue to follow this closely as it progresses. 
You can watch the whole meeting here if you are interested – the PSPO part comes in about 2 hours in https://www.youtube.com/live/wRMIApaHIAY
Photo by me.
