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Public Spaces Protection Order secured for Earlswood Lakes

Stratford upon Avon District Council, working in partnership with statutory partners, including Warwickshire Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner and local councils, has implemented a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Earlswood Lakes, for three years from 1 May 2021.

Terry's Pool at Earlswood Lakes

The lakes at Earlswood were built in the early 19th century to supply water to the Stratford Canal. They consist of three reservoirs including Terry's Pool, Windmill Pool and Engine Pool. Together they occupy 70 acres.

Public Spaces Protection Order

PSPO's are used to protect the public from behaviour that is having, or is likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in a locality and which is (or is likely to be) of a persistent or continuing nature, and unreasonable.

The PSPO for Earlswood Lakes will deal specifically with:

  • possession and consumption of psychoactive substances in the area
  • car cruising – anti-social use of vehicles that is detrimental to the local community's quality of life
  • loitering – a person breaches the PSPO if they are loitering and causing, or are reasonably perceived to be causing, intimidation, harassment, alarm or distress to another person
  • alcohol consumption and anti-social behaviour associated with it

Welcoming the decision

Sergeant David Ebbs from the Alcester and Shipston Safer Neighbourhood team at Warwickshire Police said: “We welcome the decision to implement a Public Spaces Protection Order for Earlswood Lakes. Our officers will be actively enforcing the Order to ensure that visitors and the local community feel reassured that they can safely enjoy the lakes and beautiful surroundings, free of criminality and nuisance caused by a minority.”

Adnan Saif, our director for West Midlands, says: “The lakes at Earlswood are a popular visitor destination for walking, fishing and sailing. Spending time by the water makes us all feel happier and healthier and we welcome visitors to Earlswood Lakes. But unfortunately there have been a number of criminal and anti-social incidents at the lakes, which we know is causing local residents concern.

“We welcome the implementation of a Public Spaces Protection Order for Earlswood Lakes. This will allow for earlier intervention and the prevention of anti-social behaviour. We will continue to work with Warwickshire Police, Warwickshire County Council and Stratford-on-Avon District Council to try and tackle these issues and ensure the reservoirs continue to be a tranquil place for local people and visitors.

“Signs have been put up across the site to remind visitors that cycling and swimming is not permitted at the lakes, and to warn visitors of the dangers of walking on the mud when water levels are low.”

For more information about the Public Spaces Protection Order for Earlswood Lakes, visit the Stratford upon Avon council website.

Reporting a crime

To report crime or anti-social behaviour, dangerous parking and speeding drivers, people should call Warwickshire Police on 101.

To report double yellow line parking, people should call Warwickshire County Council on 01926 410410.

To report litter/fly tipping and night fishing, people should call the Canal & River Trust on 03030 404040 or email [email protected]

Improving our reservoirs

We're currently undertaking a £1.6million programme of improvements to the reservoirs at Earlswood. The works, which are required to ensure the reservoirs are compliant with reservoir legislation, are expected to be completed by early November. A number of footpaths and local roads are temporarily closed during the works, and regular security patrols are underway to help keep visitors to the reservoirs safe.

Last Edited: 05 May 2021

photo of a location on the canals
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