News / St Andrew's Park
Council pulls consultation on proposed drinking ban in St Andrew’s Park
A consultation on plans that could have seen drinking and group gatherings of more than three people prohibited in St Andrew’s Park was launched in error.
Bristol City Council has confirmed the site asking for feedback on the proposed public space protection order (PSPO) has been taken down the day after it went live.
The consultation listed a number of restrictions that could be imposed within the much-loved Victorian park.
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These included the prohibition of anyone “causing unreasonable levels of noise”, group gatherings of more than three people between 9pm and 8am and a ban on the consumption of alcohol or possession of any opened or unsealed bottles, cans or containers of booze.
Bristol24/7 understands this is unlikely to be the end of the matter, but the council has not given any indication at this stage on when another consultation will be launched or what this will cover.
In the meantime, it has been confirmed that no new measures will be introduced.
The proposals would have seen a ban on drinking and group gatherings after 9pm in St Andrew’s Park – photo by Ellie Pipe
A spokesperson for Bristol City Council said: “This consultation was launched in error and without officers seeking input from members of the administration. The consultation will now be removed. We apologise for any concern caused in the community.
“The park, like all our city’s open spaces, should be enjoyed by all while ensuring that those living and working around it can continue to do so safely and comfortably, and we will further consider ways to ensure this.”
Tim Wye says a balance must be struck so everyone can continue to enjoy St Andrew’s Park – photo by Ellie Pipe
Speaking about the park, Tim Wye, the newly-elected Green councillor for Ashley ward, said: “Green space is really important to people, especially in the last year.
“We should be encouraging people to use our parks. Whilst the vast majority of people act respectfully, local residents are having to put up with some incredibly loud late music, litter and large crowds.
“There is a balance here and whilst some restrictions are appropriate the current proposals are clearly excessive and difficult to enforce. I would hope that we can develop a more measured response so everyone can continue to enjoy this beautiful green space.”
Emma Edwards and Lily Fitzgibbon, Green councillors in nearby Bishopston & Ashley Down ward, added that problems in the park are ongoing and well-known but that the proposed PSPO seemed “like a sledgehammer to crack a nut”.
Main photo by Lowie Trevena
Read more: Proposals to impose drinking ban in St Andrew’s Park
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