Council puts PSPO on hold after threat of legal action

AUTHORITY SAYS IT WANTS TO AVOID EXPENSE OF COURT DISPUTE

- By ISOBEL WILLIAMS

THANET District Council's controversial “swearing ban” has been put on hold - for a second time.

Earlier this year the council revealed plans to impose a public space protection order (PSPO) across Birchington, Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs.

The crackdown on antisocial behaviour would have made it an offence to refuse to stop using certain language if requested to do so by an officer - punishable with a fine of up to £100.

The order would have placed restrictions on “foul or abusive language” used “in a manner likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress... judged by the standards of a reasonable person”.

The plans, which the council said were intended to stop bad language from ruining the peaceful atmosphere of the streets, were approved at a council meeting in July.

However, last Wednesday (September 3), the authority announced that it will be postponing the PSPO following a letter from the Free Speech Union (FSU).