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To: Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council

Stop the Public Space Protection Order to be implemented by Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council.

Update - 20/04/16 We Won! Stockport Council has decided not to implement the Public Space Protection Order.

Stockport United Against Austerity wrote to Eamonn Boylan, Chief Executive of the Council to raise objections about the effects of the Order on homeless people and concerns that the consultation had not met with Government legislation. He did not reply, but when challenged verbally he said that he was dissatisfied with the 'evidence base' and that it did not justify the Order.

Well done everyone, public objection can work!
www.stockportunitedagainstausterity.weebly.com

We ask Stockport Council to withdraw implementation of the order and instead to work with the community to support and respect homeless people.

Why is this important?

We believe that the Public Space Protection Order proposed by Stockport Council will lead to the criminalisation of homeless people.
The order will outlaw the use of legal highs or other intoxicating substances, begging, urinating or defecating, sitting or lying down within five metres of a shop doorway or ATM within a designated area in the town centre.
However we feel that there are existing laws to deal with anti-social behaviour. The aim to move on and or fine people up to £1000 who are begging, sitting or lying down is not appropriate. Homelessness is not a crime.
We are also concerned about the way in which the public consultation has been carried out. This took the form of a series of questions leading the public in a particular direction. It has not been possible to see a copy of the order during the consultation, only vague statements. This does not follow government legislation and does not allow the public to make an informed decision.
Stockport and Greater Manchester

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Updates

2018-05-29 16:20:41 +0100

Petition is successful with 55 signatures

2016-11-24 15:24:57 +0000

Petition is successful with 53 signatures

2016-04-20 09:52:44 +0100

Petition is successful with 51 signatures

2016-04-17 22:21:22 +0100

50 signatures reached

2016-04-15 11:52:25 +0100

25 signatures reached

2016-04-15 00:04:18 +0100

10 signatures reached