Limiting Public Space

This article focuses on protecting public spaces, the reactions of people in relation to protecting public space and, certain limits with the orders and laws given with protecting public space.  From homelessness to drinking alcohol in public, the rules vary from place to place.  Residents are back and forth between homelessness n public space.  For instance certain people believe that targeting vulnerable people such as the homeless is unfair and does not solve the problem along with the fact that is just pushes them away to a different area.  While others believe that homelessness in public space increases crime and decrease the value of the area.  Wales in particular has restricted many rules in the public spaces throughout the country, such as restricting anti-social behavior.  They enforce public space protection orders, other known as PSPOs, which basically deny the right to do specific things from happening in a public space that the government considers to be undesirable.  For example, restricting dogs, drink alcohol outside licensed areas, and even meeting in a group of three or more people in a public space.  Due to these odd restrictions, residents find it unfitting and unjust especially since everyone doesn’t follow these restrictions.  Also, many residents find it to be cruel to the homeless people because most of them have no place to go. On the other hand residents noticed that these restrictions bring a better sense of belonging due to the homeless and other hooligans no longer being in the area and prefer that these restrictions allow a better sense of safety.  Along with the fact that it has decreased the crime rate and allows communities to present a better image of itself which could potentially increase the economy.  Although these public space protection orders have their pros and cons, overall most residents find them to be a negative restriction on their freedoms. Below is a representation of residents reactions to these restrictions.

 

Feel free to access the complete article below:

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-42224292