The public has backed strong measures imposed by Kirklees Council to tackle anti-social behaviour and protect open land.

The council introduced Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in 2017 to protect public land from abuse, damage and nuisance.

Nine PSPOs are in force across Kirklees and are aimed at protecting land for public enjoyment. One of the biggest risks is that of fire caused by barbecues, carelessly discarded cigarettes or fireworks.

A man who started a mile-long blaze on Marsden Moor in April 2021 by letting off a firecracker was jailed for 12 months. In court it was said the total cost in damage to the moorland and the firefighting operation topped £500,000.

The nine PSPOs in Kirklees are: Control of fires and barbecues; control of sky lanterns, fireworks and balloons; dog fouling; means to pick up after your dog; dogs to be on leads at all times; dogs to be put on leads on request; dog exclusion areas; public urination and defecation; and street drinking.

Anyone found breaching the orders can be issued with a fixed penalty notice. If they don’t pay they can be taken to court and fined more heavily.

Marsden Moor. Pic by: SEAN DOYLE

Kirklees Council has just completed a review of the orders after public consultation and all nine orders will be renewed in their current form following overwhelming support from residents and will continue until 2026.

Clr Naheed Mather, Cabinet member for the environment, said she wanted to thank everyone who took part in the consultation and added: “I’m delighted that we have the support of the community in taking measures to ensure our public and green spaces are safe for all to enjoy.

“We will continue to work with partners at West Yorkshire Fire Service and West Yorkshire Police as well as local landowners, Safer Kirklees and our enforcement teams to achieve our shared aim of tackling anti-social behaviour.”

Anyone who wants to find out more about the active PSPOs in Kirklees can do so by visiting www.kirklees.gov.uk/pspo