Another Consultation on Mattock Lane Buffer Zone
Council wants views on extension of restrictions around abortion clinic
Pro-choice protestors outside Marie Stopes Clinic. Picture: Peter Gould
Ealing Council is currently consulting on whether the buffer zone around the Marie Stopes clinic on Mattock Lane should be extended.
The Mattock Lane Safe Zone public spaces protection order (PSPO) is due to expire in April 2021. It was imposed following concerns about the activities of Pro-Life and Pro-Choice groups outside the clinic. The council presented evidence that the activities had caused a detrimental effect, of a persistent and continuing nature, on the quality of life of those in the locality, including residents, visitors to the clinic, clinic staff and those passing through the area.
The Safe Zone and Designated Area created by the PSPO have been in place since April 2018 and anyone who breaches the order can be fined or prosecuted.
The Designated Area, which is situated to the west of the clinic, was created to enable the various groups involved to continue their activities subject to certain restrictions. Outside of the area covered by the PSPO there are no restrictions in place.
You can take part in the online consultation by completing a short questionnaire.
The council's website has the survey link and a full copy of the PSPO and a high-resolution map detailing the area it covers, the location of the clinic and the designated zone, which is also available for review.
The evidence and documents available to the council when the order was made in April 2018 can be viewed on the council's website by going to the Cabinet Meeting held on 10 April 2018.
The consultation runs until 18 January 2021 and responses will be considered by Ealing cabinet members in early 2021 where further consideration will be given as to whether or not the PSPO will be extended.
If you require further information regarding this consultation you can email the safer communities team at safercommunities@ealing.gov.uk putting the title ‘Mattock Lane PSPO consultation’ in the subject line.
Councillor Joanna Camadoo-Rothwell, cabinet member for community safety and inclusion said, “Please take the time to respond to the consultation. The safe zone was introduced based on detailed evidence that the activities of protesters outside the clinic were having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of women using the clinic, its staff and local people living in the area."
December 9, 2020