Surrey Heath Borough Council is asking for your feedback on proposed changes to the parks and open spaces byelaws.
The byelaws, a set of basic rules to help ensure people behave respectfully in these areas, aim to support the protection of the ground, its wildlife and the public.
The new byelaws cover 56 open spaces, including areas which have come under the council’s ownership since the existing byelaws were passed.
Councillor Morgan Rise, Net Zero, Environment & Leisure Portfolio Holder, Surrey Heath Borough Council said;
“Surrey Heath Borough Council has not amended its parks and open spaces byelaws for over 30 years. The new byelaws aim to better reflect the way our parks and open spaces are now used, including more clarity around ball games and cycling, as well as tackling anti-social and nuisance behaviour which may be caused by new technology.”
“The proposed changes aim to better protect our environment and help everyone to enjoy our parks and open spaces, whilst ensuring they are safer, cleaner and treated respectfully.”
While byelaws can be enforced by council officers and the police, the council aims to deal with breaches as informally as possible. However, breaching a byelaw is an offence and someone deliberately doing so may be prosecuted if the byelaws continue to be breached.
The consultation will run until Monday 4 November. Responses should be submitted by email to byelaws@surreyheath.gov.uk (links sends email). More information can be found on the parks and open spaces byelaws webpage.